Growing Through Challenge - Life's Uncertainty

May 16, 1977

"Dear Father, since I am committed to go anywhere You want me to go, and do anything You want me to do, I thank You that You will see to it that I do get to the place where I can serve You best. Left to human means, I would probably miss it, but I thank You that You are able to make all circumstances converge at the right time and place where You can be most honored by my life."

April 3, 1983

"Uncertainty"... that seems to be a key word that God has designed into life.... "sublime uncertainties" that continue to stretch us and cause us to grow. "Thank you, Father, for the uncertainties of life."

May 15, 1983

God has been teaching me, during the last four months, how to live without fear and worry, but I believe He is now helping me to deal with another similar struggle... the pressure of expectations... from myself and others. What would the Father say to me regarding pressure? Perhaps He would say...

"Dear one, live in me each hour and let me share your burdens... the pressure is not from me; rather, you put it on yourself. Let it go, do your best, and rejoice in the heavenly perspective, enjoying each moment with me. As I have taken care of you before, so will I take care of you now... for this is the grand adventure of trust!"

December 13, 1983

Again I need to remind myself that in every area of my life, when I am faced with a decision between my way or the Father's way, I must demonstrate my unalterable commitment to choose the Father's will, even as Jesus so magnificently demonstrated in His life. And further, in choosing the Father's way, and as I rest in Him, it relieves me of the burden of struggling to "measure up" to some unrealistic goal within myself. I suspect the Father would say...

"Dear one... remember... don't struggle so... but just rest in Me, and know that your sincere desire to do good is enough to gradually transform you into a more noble and caring person. Leave the struggling behind..."

July 7,1984

A very difficult lesson that I am learning at this time is to give no thought to what other may say or think about me, as long as I know I am doing my best. It is an illusion to think that people will always think and say nice things about me... even if I were perfect! Jesus was the only perfect person to walk on this earth, yet look what they did to Him... it hurts just to think about it. What would He say to me about this now, if He were here? Perhaps He would say...

"Dear one, only do your best... work as doing it for me Me. While you cannot possibly be perfect on this very imperfect planet, you can have that "perfection of purpose" that will enable you to transcend the envious and spiteful words of others. And know that I love you, and cheer you on in all your earthly achievements, even as you prepare for eternal achievements that are beyond your wildest imagination. Just persevere, dear one... great things await you!"

September 28, 1985

"Father, in plenty or little, help me to recall the truth that you have been trying to teach me for years... no matter how much or little money I make, the only two sure things I have are this present moment and my eternal destiny, and everything in between is the grand adventure of trust! Help my walk with you to be so real and so close that I would gladly trade a fortune for the sublime uncertainties of this adventure with You."

March 31, 1986

What might the Father say concerning the uncertainties of this week? Perhaps He would say...

"Dear one, quit struggling so, and rest in My promise to meet all your needs. Having done all you can to improve your life, stand still, and observe My provision and over-care. I have promised, and I will supply your needs."

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August 11, 1986

The Father might be saying this to me about these uncertain times...

"Dear one, I am with you... I am for you... savor this moment." Remember, no task is 'small' or 'common'. Don't worry about anything, but cast all your care on Me."

January 27, 1991

At this uncertain crossroad in my life, I desperately need to be led by God, and feel the confidence of it. What did it take for Jesus to have the Father's leading in this life?
     1) An overriding commitment to do the Father's will
     2) A lot of time "listening" for the whispers of God
     3) Being faithful to the task at hand

December 19, 1992

Remember, uncertainties of the future are not a new thing... here is the answer...

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not upon your own understanding, but acknowledge Him in all your ways, and He will direct your path." _Proverbs 3:5-6

March 22, 1995

As anxiety and uncertainty tries to grip me regarding my tight schedule, or some present or future task, remember to breathe, totally relaxing... even as I feel the Father would say...

"Dear one, don't fret; this too is all within my over-care. I am here to help... helping you to help others. Rejoice in this very moment and rest in that trust."

August 2, 1996

Father, my future is truly in your hands. I am the feather; You be the wind, blowing me today wherever You can best use me... helping me to have the calm assurance that wherever the setting, whatever the task, You will strengthen me beyond my ability to accomplish Your will, while You infuse me with Your peace of the eternal Perspective."

"In everything give thanks!" _ 1 Thessalonians 5:18

July 22, 1998

"Uncertainty with security is the essence of the Paradise adventure." How important to remember that I am totally secure in the Father's love and care, both in uncertain times, and the times that have the 'illusion' of certainty.

February 4, 2000

For years I have been trying to learn to relax from the inner constant need to always be doing something 'productive'. I have found this life-long habit very hard to change, especially during the uncertain times when finances are limited. Perhaps the Father might say...

"Dear one, rest in Me. Having done all that you can to improve your situation for this day, just rest in Me, knowing that it is I who will make straight your paths and will provide in every way."

April 7, 2004

Perhaps the Father might say to me during these uncertain times...

"Dear one, don't be discouraged by the loss of 'perceived' certainty regarding the events at hand. 'Certainty', at least in this world, is only a fleeting illusion. When you start to feel discouraged, just let that feeling serve to remind you to rather rejoice in this very moment where I am working behind the scenes to bring you to the place where you can best serve. Just go on about the tasks of each day, savoring each moment in My presence, and remember that with Me, nothing is impossible!"

August 26,2010

I have been struggling emotionally somewhat lately regarding all of my deep theological questions. (This may be especially hard on me since I grew up being “so sure” about everything). I seemed to have the insight today that God probably is not unhappy with me about my pilgrimage toward seeking a deeper understanding of TRUTH.   I shouldn’t expect to have all the mystery solved today, or next week! These are issues that devout searchers have struggled generation after generation to understand. I just need to make sure that I am daily continuing to be a faithful and honest seeker for even a little more understanding of the infinite issues of Truth.