Trusting God in Times of Uncertainty: 6 Ways God Rescues Us
Uncertainty in life is difficult to face especially when we feel alone. In a recent dream, I was reminded that trusting God in times of uncertainty is possible when we put our trust in Him and not our circumstances.
When we put our trust in God, it helps us realize we are already rescued.
Jesus sacrificed His life so that we may rest in the confidence of His love even as we face times of uncertainty.
Trusting God in Times of Uncertainty
From the safety of the small boat, we were attempting to reach the little girl struggling in the water. Barely afloat, she was trying to swim but looked small, scared, and alone.
We threw a lifesaving ring into the water, called out to her, and extended our hands. “Just grab the ring” we yelled as she refused to look at us or accept help.
Trusting God in times of uncertainty is difficult. She was drowning, and in her desperation, began to kick the boat. I shouted for her to please stop or she would capsize the boat and place us all in danger!
I suddenly sat up in bed realizing it was a dream. My anxious heart relaxed for a moment as I looked around at the familiar surroundings.
My dream seemed real.
God Shows us a Rescue Plan
The dream took place after my husband and I had agreed to welcome two little girls into our home. We worked hard to become a new type of family building cohesiveness, but one of the girls was not connecting or thriving.
As we watched her wrestle with anger and isolation, our sense of helplessness grew and it became difficult to trust God during times of uncertainty.
The morning after my dream, I asked her if we could talk about what I believed God was showing us.
As we sat down across from each other, I began to draw a rough sketch of a small boat and a little girl in the water.
Averting eye contact and playing with her shirt, tears began to fall down her face and she quietly began to sob.
When God shows us a rescue plan, it is not always what we expect or want to hear.
She rarely cried, so I sensed her fragile, guarded heart was beginning to open. She began to talk about her feelings of rejection and loneliness. I told her we loved her, Jesus loved her and we felt God had sent our family to help her walk through the pain.
How can I Strengthen My Trust in God?
She needed to believe He loved her, take the action of embracing us, and trust God in times of uncertainty with the outcome.
We didn’t fix all of the problems that day but we did make a breakthrough and illuminated a path where she could begin releasing some of her hurt and confusion. When we ask, how can I strengthen my trust in God, here are 3 ways:
- Believe God loves you
- Take appropriate action
- Trust God in times of uncertainty with the outcome
I am often reminded of that dream and our conversation. There are situations when I feel as though I am the one flailing around alone in a sea of uncertainty.
Fear, loneliness, regret, or guilt attempt to dominate my thought life as I swim in circles around available lifeboats. Isolation drives me away from God and healthy relationships.
During these times when it is difficult to trust God in times of uncertainty, feelings of helplessness threaten to overwhelm me. But I know He walks beside me and anchors my soul with the assurance that I am already rescued, safe, loved, cherished, and guaranteed eternity with Jesus.
“For the Lord says, “Because he loves me, I will rescue him; I will make him great because he trusts in my name. When he calls on me, I will answer; I will be with him in trouble and rescue him and honor him. I will satisfy him with a full life and give him my salvation.”
Psalm 91:14-16
Trusting God when you are Afraid: 6 Ways God Helps Us
Trusting God when you are afraid is very difficult. In the moment of despair or “drowning”, our faith must rise up over our fear. Here are 6 ways to help you trust God when you are afraid:
- God hears our cries as we acknowledge our fear or pain
- God can show us how to take action in our current situation
- God, through prayer, can be our greatest resource instead of the media, gossip, or circumstances
- God will direct us to good friends to help us fight isolation
- God’s Word brings us peace and lets our spirit rest
Learning to Trust God in Times of Uncertainty
Learning to trust God in times of uncertainty is possible when we trust that He will rescue us. Our rescue may not look the way we would like but part of trust is understanding we don’t always understand His purpose for our life.
But when we trust God in times of uncertainty we can slowly release our need to control and place our hope in God’s plans.
Jesus will always extend us a lifeline, but we have to choose to focus on His unfailing love and the promise that He is in control regardless of our earthly situation.
It has not been easy for the little girl in the water, but she was recently baptized and continues to navigate the uncertainties in her life. We are hopeful and confident of God’s great love for her and trusting Him for the outcome.
What does the Bible say About Uncertainty?
There are many verses that answer our questions, provide comfort, and let us know what the Bible says about uncertainty. Here are two helpful verses written by Paul in the book of Romans to help us trust God in times of uncertainty.
“Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.”
Romans 8:28
“The One who died for us, who was raised to life for us is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins”
Romans 8:34-39
How about you, do you struggle trusting God in times of uncertainty? Do you believe God has already rescued you? Would love to hear your story of rescue in the comments.
