Praying Through Life's Uncertainties

Can you believe it? Ministry is loaded with uncertainties. In fact, life is loaded with uncertainties. When uncertainty strikes, it can humble the strongest and unsettle the most confident. Uncertainty has a way of causing men and women to realize their humanity. Maybe as you read this, you or someone close to you is paralyzed by uncertainty. If so, don’t panic or lose hope. I want to encourage you to look to God in prayer as you walk through the path of uncertainty. Here are two facts about uncertainty in life. 1. Uncertainty in life is inevitable. Reject the thought that you are the only one. Every human being will face some type of challenge; some tragedy or loss that will shake his or her world. 2. Realize uncertainties are opportunities to depend on God. God desires that we seek Him in the midst of uncertainty because when we do, we have the opportunity to live by faith. Praying by faith is not a “shoot in the dark” approach, but a focused choice to depend upon God. How does it work? Let’s turn to Luke 7:1-10 to see two points from one of the greatest examples of praying by faith. 1. The centurion views himself as unworthy (see v.7) to have Jesus work on his behalf. He doesn’t come to Jesus based on his own rank, worth, position or power. He comes humbly and prayerfully. 2. The centurion is willing to place himself under the authority of Jesus (see v.8). He understands authority and willingly places his life under Jesus’ control. This kind of submission holds God’s hand rather than grabs for what he can get from God’s hand. You see, we must understand who we are in relation to who Jesus is. When we understand our position, we must willing place ourselves under Jesus’ authority. When we pray this way, we can live by faith in the midst of uncertain times. Please remember, God takes our uncertainties (examples: health, finances, relationships, etc...) and uses them to teach us to totally depend on him and him alone. Paul realized this as noted in 2 Corinthians 1:9: 9Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.” Here are three practical tips to apply that can help us choose to live by faith when we face uncertainty: 1. Recall the faithfulness of God in your life. (Do you have history with God?) 2. Claim His promises (Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word!) 3. Pray about your uncertainties and remember your calling (God will never leave you our forsake you!) Recall! Claim! Pray!