I think we can all relate to experiencing a place of complete uncertainty in the midst of this messy, marvelous life. From debilitating anxiety to the discomfort of not being able to plan ahead for the coming months, fear has a voice that is loud and obnoxious. Fear tempts us to doubt God’s goodness and His ultimate control over the things that feel out of control in our world.
FINDING HOPE FROM SCRIPTURE
For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible… everything got started in him, CHRIST JESUS, and finds its purpose in him. He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment.
COLOSSIANS 1:15-18 MSG
Be reminded of this, dear friend: GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL. JESUS IS STILL HOLDING EVERYTHING TOGETHER. NONE OF THIS IS CATCHING GOD BY SURPRISE, NOR HAS HE TURNED HIS BACK ON US.
REFRAMING OUR MINDSET
If you’re tempted to ask WHY? questions, let me stop you there and offer a more comforting alternative.
Instead of: Why is this happening?
Try: What can God do in and through me during this time? How might God show His glory through all of this mess? What could I walk away with from this season I may not have learned any other way?
Theology is complex and faith in an unseen God is mysterious. I’ll never be able to explain God and my questions only lead to more questions. But this I know: While I can’t see Him face-to-face, I can see His fingerprints ALL OVER THIS WORLD because of the work of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.
What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead.
Hebrews 11:1 Living Bible (TLB)
As always, give yourself permission to sit in this space. It’s a safe space. Rest in the love of Christ as you wrestle with any feels or questions that surface.
A PRAYER TO REFRAME UNCERTAINTY
Father God, while we can’t see you, give us faith to believe you. Give us faith that you are still in control, holding all things together through Jesus Christ our Lord.
We are finite creatures trying to grasp the eternal nature of an infinite Creator and Sustainer. It’s a lot to grasp. And we thank you for pursuing us in the midst of our questions, doubts and fear.
Help us find security in you alone. Give us peace that seeing the full picture would be too much for us.
Teach us how to reframe our perspective so we can see you at work in the middle of the mess. Give us eyes to see and ears to hear all the ways you are working in and through us, even now. In Jesus name. Amen.
WORSHIP TO HELP YOU REFRAME
Elevation Worship released a new album called Graves Into Gardens. The album cover song, Graves Into Gardens, gives me chills and helps me worship God in the midst of the mess. It reminds me of all God has done and is doing. I pray it brings you the hope it’s brought to me.
Read/Sing along with the lyrics HERE.
Keep listening to hear the whole album, recorded LIVE at Elevation Church in January 2020. It is incredible.
RESOURCES
Michele Cushatt has written a beautiful book called Relentless about the never-ending pursuit of God for His children.
I’ve had the privilege of meeting this woman face-to-face at the first speakers conference I attended. Her words of wisdom have stuck with me and continue to shape my ministry.
I’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU
Have you seen God show up in this midst of uncertainty? Have you seen God turn graves into gardens? How can I be praying for you this week?
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Such a blossoming of wisdom.
Thank you, Jeanie! I love that <3 God is definitely working and moving. You and Phil are in my prayers. I know you truly understanding living in uncertain times, and you make each day matter by loving each other and loving Jesus. That's all we really can do with certainty.