Strength in Uncertainty
- Strength For Life
- Mar 10
- 4 min read
Two things are true about uncertainty. First, it can be intimidating. The mystery of not knowing what will happen is often scary. In times where happiness and security hang in the balance, uncertainty about the outcome gives you the feeling of free-falling through life, forced to wait and anticipate a painful impact when the situation resolves.
The second thing that is true about uncertainty is that everyone experiences it at different times throughout life. Maybe you are experiencing uncertainty now. It may be financial. “How am I going to pay the bills? What if I lose my job?” Your uncertainty may be relational. “What if my spouse dies or divorces me? Or what if the relationship with one of my children deteriorates?” Human relationships can sometimes be extremely volatile and uncertain. Your uncertainty may be physical because of a medical malady. “Will the surgery go well? Will I get my range of motion back? Will I ever be able to function normally again?” Finally, your uncertainty may be cultural. “What if more high-profile Christians are targeted like Charlie Kirk? What if the ungodly rise to power again and conduct unrighteous rule? Will the evil action of the rich and well-connected ever be punished?
Whether the trouble is financial, relational, physical, or cultural, uncertain situations can easily trigger emotional and mental instability. How can we learn to face these uncertain times with STRENGTH instead of instability? Allow me to give you three biblical thoughts.
First, remember that uncertainty, by definition, implies an absence of knowledge. In the situations mentioned above, you are forced to say, “I do not know financially; I do not know relationally; I do not know physically. I do not know culturally” Because so much is unknown, the first thing to do in an uncertain situation is firm up what you do know. As carefully as you can, establish the facts, the “knowns,” of your situation.
In every uncertain situation there are things that you can be certain of. Take time to write those things down. When you list what you DO KNOW, this will help you to stop focusing on all the threatening possibilities of what you DO NOT KNOW. For example, you might counsel yourself, “I do not know where I will get the large amount of money I need, but I DO KNOW that I have a smaller amount of money.” Or, might say, “While I do not know if that relationship willl work out, I DO KNOW this other person over here has been my faithful friend.” Whatever information you’re certain about, write it down.
As you start reflecting on the things you know amid your specific situation, be sure to write down the things that you KNOW about God. Here are some examples: I KNOW that He will never leave me nor forsake me. I KNOW that He is all powerful. I KNOW that He is all-knowing, and thus He knows what I do not know. I know that I am His child and that He is Jehovah-Jireh, my Provider.
After you firm up what you know, second you should identify your responsibilities in that uncertain situation. Ask yourself, “What are my responsibilities before God?” The situation may be uncertain, but you know you are married, and you have a husband or wife. Based on that role, what are your biblical responsibilities in this uncertain circumstance? Whether you are the parent, spouse, employee, employer, or child, your role carries with it certain responsibilities. The Bible is the guidebook that explains our responsibilities within our specific roles. Learn what God expects from you during your uncertain time.
At this point where you have written down what you know, and you have determined what you are responsible for, third, you should establish your course of action. Map it out.
You can think through it this way: “I know what I am responsible to do, but how am I going to do it?” In other words, what is your course of action? Again, make sure the answers to this third set of questions are in writing. If your steps are written down, you can identify what to do first, second, third, and so on. As you accomplish these things, you can cross them off of your list.
As you start crossing these things off, you will be flooded with endorphins and gain a feeling of accomplishment. You will feel less and less uncertain as you cross each additional thing off the list. You will feel more and more in control of your life and your circumstances. Eventually, you can reach a point where the uncertain aspects of your situation feel much less intimidating. Your previous feeling of being overwhelmed will be replaced with a sense of conquering your circumstances.
So, in the midst of uncertainty, remember to control what you can control; you can control yourself. There will be financial things that are beyond our control. Relational things are sometimes up to others. Sometimes physical things befall us because we live in a fallen world. Culturally, the future remains uncertain. But, remember to control what you can control—your own behavior.
If you do these three Bible-based things, God will grant you the ability to be strong in uncertainty. He will enable you to have strength for your life.
The above article was written by Pastor James C. Johnson. He is the pastor of NorthStone Baptist Church in Pensacola, Fl. To offer him your feedback, comment below or email us at strengthforlife461@gmail.com.
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