Did I choose the right path?

Was I supposed to uproot and start a brand new job?

Am I supposed to pursue this career?

Should I marry this man?

Should I go back to school?

Seemingly life-altering decisions are moments in our lives that make us question what it is we were put on this earth to do. It’s hard to know which way to turn sometimes. Often, the hardest is when you make a decision for the better and then everything seems to go wrong. Was that the wrong decision? Or, is the Lord just using this to transform your life into something totally beyond what you ever expected?

Before I dive into how to find comfort in uncertainty, I want to share something that I read recently that really transformed my thinking about the paths we take in life. I read this idea in a book called The God Ask by Steve Shadrach. Without thinking about what your degree is in, or your life circumstances, or anything else, what is your dream for your life? Chances are, that thing that comes to mind is your true calling. That was totally life-altering for me. When I asked myself that question, it was not at all what I thought. But yet, I can see now how it could be God’s plan for me. For now, I will relentlessly pursue what’s in front of me and take opportunities as they come.

But how, through uncertain times, do we remain with our eyes fixed on Christ? How do we look beyond the mess of our lives and know that we are doing what God has expected of us?

1. God works out all things for our good (Romans 8:28).

We don’t have to be afraid that our circumstances will go poorly. Even in the hardest of times, even when things fall apart and it feels as if you’ll never be whole again, we can trust in a God who will work it all together for our good. It will grow our faith in him, sanctify us, bring new relationships…the possibilities are endless for such a great and marvelous God. He is good, even when we cannot see the good. Even in the worst heartbreak, we can still look up and say “it is well with my soul.” We have a God who sits on the throne and orchestrates all things. We are merely human, and can only see what’s in front of us. Trust the big picture of his goodness and lean on him.

2. God knows and understands every facet of our lives, and has already painted the bigger picture (Matthew 6:25-34).

Just as the Lord works all things out for our good, he also knows and understands all that we need. He knows our weaknesses, and will provide for us through that. No matter what you’re struggling with during this season, be it loneliness, finances, difficult decisions, or all of that combined, know that the Lord is with you. Hear him saying to you, “I am here; I know your struggle and I feel it because I became man to die for you. Trust that this is not the end.” There is so much beauty in that. Even if this life is a horrible struggle, this is not the end. Your death will bring something more beautiful than this feeble life could ever hold. But yet, even on earth, you’re only living a small season in a big picture. Strive to remain faithful to the one who is steadfast, and he will bring you through the season of uncertainty in his perfect time.

3. We grow closer to God by trusting him during uncertainty, and he rewards us with his goodness through it (Hebrew 11:6, Isaiah 64:4).

There is such a unique sweetness to being able to lean on God when he feels like all that you have. When you’re faced with situational comforts, you tend not to lean as hard on God’s faithfulness. Use seasons of uncertainty to grow closer to the Lord; lean and depend on him with all that you have. It’s amazing what joy will come to your soul through this dependence. God is so gracious and often rewards us with comfort, peace, and grace when we find our rest on him.

What is so beautiful about the God that we serve is that, even though seasons constantly change, he remains steadfast. He is the same God yesterday, today, and forever. He still sits on his thrown, no matter what tomorrow brings. We truly have no reasons to be anxious, because we can wholly lean and trust on the God who hold our future. We have no control, but yet the one who does is doing it all for our good. May we live our lives resting on him and his promises despite all circumstances, both peaceful and turbulent.