“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV)

I feel the most unsettled when I’m uncertain about the future. And I suspect you may also be facing circumstances that have left you feeling caught off guard and unsure about what tomorrow holds.

Maybe you’re in a job where you feel unfulfilled, and you think God is leading you somewhere else, but He hasn’t yet revealed what’s next. So for now, you walk into an office every day, giving it your all, but your heart feels disconnected from your real calling.

Or maybe you’ve been watching everyone else in your life find love, walk down the aisle, and start the life you’ve dreamed of. Or others grow their families while you’re stuck in an infertility journey. Or they go on that vacation you’ve spent months saving for.

Whatever your situation is, you probably feel powerless to change it, but you still have to live through the realities of what’s happening right now. I know what that feels like.

This is also no surprise to God; in fact, He makes it clear in His Word that things will not always go as we wish they would in this life.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

The crucial detail for us to have peace in the middle of all the “I don’t knows” we’re facing is to stay close to God. I wish I could promise you that everything’s going to turn out like you’re hoping it will. I can’t, of course.

But what I can promise you is this: God is close to us even in our “I don’t knows.”

God has lessons for us to learn in the middle of our “I don’t knows” that are eternally important. God has a strength He must prepare us to develop, and the training ground is right here in our “I don’t know.”

This time isn’t a waste, and it’s not pointless when we are walking with God.

My friend Jenny suffered through a lot of unfair circumstances. She decided to join a support group with others who have gone through similar things. At their meetings, they give updates on what’s happening with their lives. Each week, she hears about the struggles and victories of the women in her group. Of course she celebrates with every person who experiences their prayers being answered. Jenny is very mature in her faith, and she’s one of the most gracious people I know. But sometimes it’s hard to hear about God answering other people’s prayers while she’s still waking up to confusion and heartbreaking realities every day.

As she prayed about this and wrestled through it, one day she had an epiphany. She spoke a sentence out loud that brought a lot of comfort to her heart. When she told me about how she now better manages other people’s celebrations while she’s still hurting, I knew it was a game changer for my perspective as well.

Jenny said, “Their path to see God’s glory is different from mine.”

Wow.

Friend, we are all on a journey. God is with us. God is for us. God really can be trusted. How He leads us and where He leads us will always be a bit of a mystery. But what doesn’t have to be mysterious is this: We will see God’s glory either on this side of eternity or on the other side. His glory will not be mocked or denied but will be seen by those who have given their hearts to Him. We just might travel different paths to see it. I pray this helps you as much as it has helped me.

Heavenly Father, even when I’m faced with what feels unfair in my life and relationships, I know I can count on Your character never changing. Your justice and mercy bring me comfort. Thank You for overcoming the darkness, sin and hopelessness I see all around me. You are working and will right all wrongs. Help me give over to You all the things that were never mine to carry. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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FOR DEEPER STUDY

Matthew 6:33, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (NIV).

As you face unsettling circumstances, how can you take one step toward seeking first God’s Kingdom and His righteousness today?

We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.

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