Uncertainty is a Big Part of All of Our Lives, But Jesus is Bigger.
When I was tasked with writing about today's topic, "faith amidst uncertainty," it took me about nine different failed opening paragraphs before I stopped and said to myself:
“Am I focusing on the right thing here?”
We all have different interactions, moments, and relationships with Jesus, yet uncertainty is woven into all our lives. Our respective faiths can look different, but we can't predict illness, death, or countless other things. This life we all live is filled with uncertainties.
What I realized is that I had been focusing too much on the first word of the topic—faith—rather than the last, and dare I say, more consistent word—uncertainty.
Let me explain:
Uncertainty is always there, and sometimes we forget that the Holy Spirit is always there within us too. As imperfect people, our faith—though permanent—may waver depending on the season we're in. I can speak from personal experience that when really difficult and unexplainable things have happened to me and my family, I get pretty angry with God. My faith in him dwindles in these moments just because I believe that things should have happened differently—it should have been according to my plan rather than the one God had already orchestrated for me when he created everything. I would venture to say though that I’m probably not the only person who’s been upset with God…
And that right there is where I found the tension living between those two words:
We are believers who still struggle with believing.
We know God is good, and yet we all still experience fear, doubt, anxiety, and disappointment. Our faith can become predicated on what life throws at us, and in times where there seems to be little to no good whatsoever, the brokenness of reality takes over and tips the scale.
Here’s the thing though—faith has never, was never, and is never about having all the answers. Faith is trusting God especially when we don’t have any answers. Let’s be real, we don’t always find comfort in that. Sometimes, uncertainty doesn’t just make us nervous—it makes us feel lost. And in those moments, it’s also easy to wonder if our faith is failing.
I’m here to tell you that It’s not.
Peter sank when he took his eyes off Jesus, but Jesus still reached out and caught him (Matthew 14:31). Jesus never said, “You didn’t have enough faith, so you’re on your own. Have fun swimming!” He met Peter in the middle of his fear and lifted him up. Do you think Peter, or any of the disciples for that matter, had ANY idea to prepare or plan or seek control over a situation in which another human being was walking on water? Of course not! The only thing that was certain in that situation was Jesus and the full trust upon him and his word alone.
That’s the power of faith, that’s the power of Jesus, and that’s the power of trusting in the only thing that is FULLY certain about our existence— Jesus is bigger than the certain uncertainties in each of our lives.
He doesn’t require a perfect faith. He asks for a present one. One that says, “I don’t understand this, but I’m still choosing to trust you, Lord.” The Bible is full of people who didn’t have it all together. David cried out in confusion. Job lost everything and questioned God. The disciples all had their world shattered when Jesus was crucified.
In each of those stories, God stayed faithful. That means for your story too, God will stay faithful.
This is the encouragement we all desperately need: God’s faithfulness doesn’t depend on our ability to feel certain. He is steady when we’re not and he is present when we feel isolated and alone. If you’re in a season right now where the path ahead feels foggy or the next step in life feels scary, God is not lost in your uncertainty. He’s walking through it with you.
There’s no performance or status quo. You don’t have to pretend or fake it. The God who sees you also understands you—regardless of your circumstances.
Faith isn’t about never questioning. It’s about where we turn when we do.
So let’s keep looking to him again and again.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight.”
— Proverbs 3:5–6 (CSB)
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