Goodbye fear, hello faith: Trusting God in the unknown
Are you facing an unknown future? Were you sailing along when suddenly you received news that rocked your world? The pain of losing a loved one, a devastating financial crisis, or an unexpected illness are just a few life-altering events that cause us to be concerned about what tomorrow holds.
Since my childhood, I have always been worried about my future, a trait I learned from observing my mother while growing up. When I got married and had children of my own, I started worrying about their futures. An overwhelming sense of responsibility for their safety and well-being accompanied me constantly.
Sadly, the day came when I received the heart-breaking news that my teenage son was struggling with drugs. No longer did I care about my hopes and dreams for his future. Instead, I pleaded with God to spare his life. Surviving today was all that mattered. My plans would have to wait for later.
It was then I realized I had never really trusted the Lord with my children. While I pleaded with God to save my son, deep down inside, I knew I was the one who needed saving. In my brokenness, the Lord gently reminded me of his words in Jeremiah 29:11. “I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Like sweet music to my ears, his promises washed over me and soothed my anxious soul. Throwing my hands up in surrender, I just let go of all of it. My plans, my dreams, my fears, my worries. By releasing my own agenda, I made room for God’s divine plan for our lives. I am no longer afraid of the unknown. Instead, I can face tomorrow with confidence, as I put my trust in the One who holds my future.
I wish I could say my transformation took place overnight, but that is not the case. I am still a work in progress. Maybe you are feeling the same way. You believe the Lord cares about you and that his plans for you are good. You desire to face uncertainty with unwavering faith, but aren’t sure where to begin. As I read Jeremiah 29:11-13, these truths stood out to me. I believe they will be helpful to you as well.
Remember the Lord knows his plans for your future, even if you don’t.
Believe his plans for your future are good, even when your circumstances are bad.
Call on the name of Jesus. He will answer you.
Come into his presence with praise. He will restore your hope.
Pray to the Lord. He is listening.
Seek the Lord with all your heart. You will find him.
As you meditate on these verses, I also encourage you to commit them to memory. May they renew your faith as you seek the Lord and trust his plans for your future.
Scripture for meditation
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart”
-Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV)
Prompts for reflection or journaling
In what way do I need to trust in God’s plan for my future?
What can I praise the Lord for today?
What does it look like to seek the Lord with all my heart?
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