Dealing with uncertainty

Isaiah 41:10 (GN)

Do not be afraid—I am with you! I am your God—let nothing terrify you! I will make you strong and help you; I will protect you and save you.

Many things, situations, and people in life terrify us.  Think of all the “phobias” in life; there are various websites that list phobias and they amount to over 400.  The most common phobias that terrify the most people are fear of snakes and/or other animals like insects and rodents, height, darkness, confined spaces, flying, public speaking, illness, storms, and dying and death.  There are always new things that terrify people, one of the newest related to cell phones, either not having one or being in places where you cannot use one. 

There is another kind of phobia or situation that causes great fear and terror—waiting for news.  I’m talking about waiting to hear the results of medical tests.  Waiting to find out news about something you need to know about (e.g. new job, new position, sale of a home, decision someone else has to make, etc.), but are helpless to do anything but wait.  Waiting means uncertainty.  Uncertainty produces all kinds of problems—depression, anxiety, negativism, worry, and, of course, fear even to the point of terror.  Many reading this know exactly what I am referring to.  You or a loved one have developed a growth somewhere in your body and have had samples taken for testing.  You have had to wait for the test results and the waiting and all its uncertainty have been terrifying.  Indeed our human nature compels us to fear the worst.

Uncertainties are part of life.  I read a quote by John Allen Paulos (Temple University mathematics professor) that sort of sums up this fact—“Uncertainty is the only certainty there is, and knowing how to live with insecurity is the only security”.  The Bible consistently teaches the importance of not fearing or worrying, but instead turning over your fears and worries to God.  When the disciples were scared to death during a storm on the Sea of Galilee and Jesus suddenly appeared, what did He say to them?  --- “Do not be afraid, take courage, for I am here” (Matthew 14:27).  As long as Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, He was not afraid and was able to walk on the water, but as soon as he looked away from Jesus, he became terrified and would have drowned had Jesus not saved him. 

Isaiah writes that God’s people must not be afraid simply because God is with you.  Of course, like so much of what is taught as truth in the Bible, it takes faith to believe and to act on what the Bible teaches.  God promises to help you and protect you during your time of waiting, during a life filled with uncertainties.  Indeed, strong faith enables you to be strong period and face whatever you are facing, not just with courage but also with a drive to do something proactive.  There’s a quote in the businessworld “Uncertainty will always be part of the taking charge process” (Harold  S. Geneen, CEO of ITT) that I think applies to the Christian waiting for some kind of result and/or decision.  You can take charge of your situation by determining in your heart that no matter what, God is in control and He will “make you strong and help you, He will protect and save you”. 

Read over the following passages and let them sink deeply in your heart as you are going through a period of uncertainty:

·  Joshua 1:9….This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

·  Psalm 27:14….Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous……

·  Psalm 31:24….So be strong and courageous,
all you who put your hope in the Lord! 

·  Matthew 11:28-30….Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest………and you will find rest for your souls……..

·  II Timothy 1:7….For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power and love and discipline.

·  Hebrews 13:5-6….I will never leave you nor forsake you…….The Lord is my helper, I will not fear…..