Facing Uncertainty

 7/20/2025

As spiritual beings indwelling these human bodies, we face many challenges, as we have been considering over the last several weeks. Today we wrestle with a subject that touches each of our lives: facing uncertainty and embracing the unknown.

Humans face a fundamental challenge with uncertainty: our brains are wired to prefer predictability and control, yet life is inherently uncertain. This gap between our innate desire for certainty and the reality of an unpredictable world, whether it is a new season, a difficult choice, the loss of a loved one, or simply the unpredictability of life, can bring anxiety, tension, stress, fear, questions, and sometimes avoidance behaviors.

The challenge of uncertainty and the unknown has several pain points. First, uncertainty activates the brain’s threat detection system, triggering anxiety and stress responses. This can lead to overthinking, procrastination, or rigid attempts to control outcomes, which cannot be sustained for long.

Second, because of fear of the unknown, many of us avoid new experiences, tough decisions, or vulnerable conversations because the potential outcomes are unclear. This avoidance can stifle growth, creativity, and meaningful connection.

Third, we want to control things. We humans often overestimate our ability to predict and control events, leading to frustration when reality diverges from expectations.

And fourth, there are social and cultural pressures. Many societies reward certainty and punish ambiguity, making it harder for people to admit when they do not know something or to embrace the unpredictable. These social values can pressure individuals to avoid showing doubt or hesitation, even when facing genuine uncertainty. Admitting uncertainty or ambiguity is sometimes interpreted as weakness, incompetence, or lack of preparation. This stigma can make people hide their doubts, increasing stress and reducing opportunities for learning or collaboration.

Despite our reasons for uncertainty, the Bible speaks directly and powerfully to our hearts in these moments. Life does not offer us roadmaps for every twist and turn.  For instance, in Genesis 12:1, Abraham was called by God to leave his homeland for a place he did not know: “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.”  No instructions, no explanation, but Abraham obeyed, not because he was certain of the future, but because he was certain of God.

Uncertainty is not a problem to be solved but is a natural part of life to be navigated with acceptance, curiosity, mindful presence, and trust in God.  Because we love God and know that God loves us, we trust God and have faith in God’s promises and presence.

Although we naturally seek control and clear answers, Scripture invites us to trust God, who is infinitely wise and good: Proverbs 3:5–6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Trust is not pretending the unknown does not exist—it is believing that God is already present in it.

Uncertainty often breeds anxiety, and we are asked to bring our worries to God. Philippians 4:6–7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Prayer does not always change our situation, but it always changes our perspective. Change may not come to the outer world, but our inner world is changed in full.

Throughout Scripture, when we face the unknown, God reassures us that His presence brings courage and strength to face our challenges. From Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

When experiencing doubts, we can remember that God has a plan for us, a plan we can trust. Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” This verse highlights the limitations of human foresight. We may meticulously plan our lives, yet God’s plan often surpasses our understanding. Embracing uncertainty requires surrendering our need for control and trusting in God's divine orchestration. This surrender is not passive resignation, but an active faith, a belief that even amidst the unknown, God’s hand is guiding our steps towards His purpose. As 2 Corinthians 5:7 tells us: “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”  

God does not promise a life free from trouble but promises His presence and peace while experiencing it. Psalm 46:1–2 tells us: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.”  Then in John 14:27 Christ shares this: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”  

When facing uncertainty and the unknown, God loves us directly and through our friends and church family.  We can support one another through prayer, encouragement, and bearing each other's burdens, as Christ suggests.

Although uncertainty is often seen as a source of stress or anxiety, it also holds unique and profound power for personal growth, spiritual development, creativity, decision-making, and transformation. Embracing the unknown can open doors to new possibilities that certainty may never reveal. Facing uncertainty promotes adaptability by compelling us to leave our comfort zone, adapt to change, and develop new skills. Challenges that arise from the unknown foster resilience and resourcefulness.

Through mindfulness, which is a deliberate form of awareness that involves paying purposeful, non-judgmental attention to the present moment, we can alter how we react to uncertainty. Instead of allowing our minds to immediately go to the worst-case scenario, we can challenge our catastrophic thinking and consider a broader range of possible outcomes. Instead of seeking absolute answers, we can train our minds to think in terms of likelihoods and prepare for multiple scenarios.

Let us view uncertainty as an opportunity for learning rather than a threat. Embracing the unknown encourages exploration and learning. When outcomes are not predetermined, curiosity and exploration are invited. This openness often leads to deeper self-discovery and a broader range of experiences. We are led to experiment, make mistakes, think in original ways, innovate solutions, and gain insights not available in familiar territory.

Acknowledge the discomfort of uncertainty. Recognize that feeling uneasy about the unknown is normal. Acceptance reduces the power of anxiety and frees up mental energy for adaptive coping. Many artistic and scientific breakthroughs arise from conditions where answers are unclear, or problems are poorly defined. The unknown stimulates problem-solving skills, and we develop the flexibility and the ability to reframe problems, which are key drivers for creativity and innovative action.

Let us not shun the unknown but turn our worries into prayers and seek God for peace and direction in troubled times. Let us be mindful of our thoughts and where they take us. Let us recall past situations where God has provided for us and guided us.

On our walk of faith, let us draw strength from our church community, encouraging and supporting one another through times of uncertainty. Talk to each other; share with one another. Listen in confidence. Whatever is shared with you is only for you and God, no one else. That is how we can support each other.

I remember at one point at the beginning of this church’s journey when we had maybe 5-7 people attending. One of the Board members asked me if we should just close the doors. I was filled with ambiguity. It could have gone either way. But in a moment of mindfulness, I asked God what I should do, and inside I felt the directive to keep going.

I was told by a minister once that our job is to feed the flock, not count the flock. So, we went on, my mind and heart always focused on nourishing the souls who showed up, never on the numbers. Faith says, “Feed the people who choose to attend.” Fear says, “Count the people who choose to attend.”  Fear is the door and faith is the key, and still, we must have the courage to put the key in the lock and push open the door to walk through. It is on us to push through the fear. We are here to seek God, not certainty. God is always on the other side of the door, ready to welcome us.

Let us release control and hold fast to the Serenity Prayer: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.” 

So, it is my prayer that we live by faith, not fear: The antidote to fear is always faith, always love, actively trusting God’s promises, character, and sovereignty in our lives. Deuteronomy 31:6: “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” God is always with us, guiding us, encouraging us. He sends people, events, books, music, whispers, and sudden positive thoughts to light our way.. Be open to Spirit’s movement. Expect it, welcome it. We are not alone.