“Uncertainty is the only certainty in this changing world” – this is an unavoidable truth! Uncertainty is being sure of not being sure of what is yet to come. We are forced to stand many a times at crossroads of life, perplexed about our direction. Crossroads hit us while we choose a course or waiting to be placed in a job or waiting for the right life partner. Uncertainty is popularly accompanied with fear and confusion. I am sure you must have faced such situations in your life too.
Let us look at a few examples in the Bible who faced uncertain situations in their lives and how their response elevated them to a better future.
Ruth – From a Widow to a Royal Mother
We see an extreme display of faith in Ruth. Having lost her husband along with all the male support in the family, everything around her looked utterly hopeless and uncertain. Her response though self-sacrificing for a moment was God honouring, she was willing to step out in faith and trust the God of her mother-in-law. The outcome - Jesus, the Messiah belonged to her lineage. (Ruth1:16, Ruth 2: 12, Ruth 4: 22).
Joseph – From a Prisoner to a Prime Minister
He was just 17, when he was sold by his brothers into the land of Egypt. His future looked bleak and uncertain. Undoubtedly, his experience would have been a mix of fear with anxiety of how life would turn out to. But we see that Joseph did two very important things as he looked at his uncertain future. 1) He trusted God to fulfil his dreams and remained in His presence. 2) He was faithful in everything that was entrusted to him and did his best while he waited. God raised him up and made him only second to the king and a blessing to his family. (Gen 50:20)
Moses – From a Mere Shepherd to a Mega leader
He had the great responsibility of leading a stubborn generation out of the land of Egypt. Every step of his desert journey was marked with uncertainty as the entire nation looked for direction to the Promised Land. Be it food in the desert or water in the wilderness, each need looked scarce and provision felt scary. Accompanied with a weary journey, were the hostile enemies to fight with. Each need must have raised a few million questions with a national uncertainty. But Moses always took counsel from God before he could make any decision. He spoke to God face to face and depended on His counsel and trusted in His unfailing promises. The result was phenomenal. Those who look to the Lord will not be disappointed – Isaiah 49:23
SO – How does it work for us?
God knows the uncertain future and His plans for us are far better and higher than what we can make for ourselves. (Jer 29:11) Pray and ask God for what He wants you do just as Moses did. He will be your guide even to the end.
Take one day at a time and make the right choices as Ruth did. Most people spend a lot of time regretting the past and worrying about the future. Such people seldom find time to enjoy the present!
Do whatever you are doing right now exceptionally well as Joseph did and God will unfold His good and perfect will to you.
Never Give Up. He who has called you is faithful and He will remain faithful.
“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes” (Matthew 6:34 MSG). Rick Warren
Placing uncertainty in God’s hands is only another way of discovering Gods plans for our lives! God loves you unconditionally. Now, you trust Him unconditionally.
By Amy Ebenezer, a teacher.