Embracing the Unknown: Trusting God’s Plan
When faced with uncertainty, our natural instinct is to seek clarity and control. But what if God’s plan for our lives is not meant to be fully understood? What if, instead, we’re called to respond in faith, even when the details are unclear?
The Power of Prior Commitment
Simon Peter’s response to Jesus in John 6:68-69 serves as a powerful reminder: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.” Even when we don’t comprehend God’s plan, we must respond to his direction. In fact, it’s in these moments of uncertainty that we need to focus on doing exactly what he directs us to do.
Developing Trust and Benevolence
God allows us to choose between doing his will and our own. Often, he asks us to make this choice before revealing the specifics of his plan. This is because part of his plan is to develop within us a deep trust in his character and benevolence. By choosing to obey, we demonstrate our commitment to his will, even when it’s unclear.
The Strength to Choose
One of the greatest strengths God gives us is the ability to choose his will, even before we know what it entails. This requires an attitude of prior commitment, a desire to do his will regardless of the circumstances. When we exercise this strength, we open ourselves up to receiving the power to “do all things through him.”
The Battle of Wills
However, many of us falter at this point. We want God to reveal his plan first, and only then will we decide whether to respond. But this approach undermines the very nature of faith. God wants us to decide in advance that we’ll do what he tells us to do, trusting that his will is the best plan for our lives.
Honest Transparency
It’s okay to acknowledge our hesitancy and uncertainty. God already knows our doubts and fears. But instead of letting them hold us back, we can ask him to strengthen us in our weaknesses. We can say, “Father, I’m not sure I’m ready to do your will. I don’t know if I want to do it or not.” And then, we can take the next step: “I’m willing to be made willing.”
The Full Picture
One reason God doesn’t reveal the full picture of his plans is that we might be overwhelmed by what we see. His mission for our lives is often too big for us to accomplish on our own. But that’s the point – we’re not meant to fulfill it alone. As we take steps of faith, our confidence in God increases, and he reveals more of the plan.
Stepping into Faith
So, let’s take the first step. Let’s choose to trust God, even when the details are unclear. Let’s demonstrate our commitment to his will, and watch as he strengthens us to fulfill the mission he has for our lives.
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