Growing Through Uncertain Times

"So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. 'Greetings,' he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, 'Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.'" (Matthew 28:8-10)

Have you ever noticed how God does His greatest work in our lives during times of confusion? The women at the tomb experienced something Scripture describes as being "afraid yet filled with joy." What a perfect picture of walking through uncertainty with the Lord!
 
When we look at all the disciples experienced during that first Easter, we see that uncertain times reveal true friends. Jesus had warned them, "This very night you will all fall away on account of me" (Matthew 26:31). Even though Peter boldly declared, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you," within hours he would deny Jesus three times.

Why does God allow this kind of painful revelation in our lives? Because uncertain times offer fresh insight into several important areas:
 
First, they reveal our commitment level. When life squeezes you, whatever is on the inside comes out. Some of you are walking through health challenges right now. Perhaps you've been claiming all the verses about God's healing, yet you're still waiting. These moments reveal where your faith truly rests.

Second, uncertain times reveal our personal relationship with the Lord. Will we press in and trust Him, or will we look for answers somewhere else?
 
Third, they reveal our faith in God's promises. Throughout my decades in ministry, whenever God has led me to serve in a new place, I've never based my decision on a bigger paycheck or a larger congregation. I've always followed when God said, "This is what I have for you," and gave me a promise from His Word. Standing on God's promises becomes crucial when navigating uncertainty.

Fourth, uncertain times reveal our expectations. The disciples were looking for a military messiah who would overthrow Rome. When Jesus didn't match their expectations, their world was rocked. Many of us grow disappointed with God when He doesn't do what we think He should. We make deals: "God, I'll start tithing. I'll give you a month to show up financially in my life. If you don't come through, I'll cut it down to 5%." When He doesn't follow our timeline, we get frustrated.
 
This reminds me of fishing in the Gulf of Mexico years ago. I had chartered a boat with some friends, excited for a day of catching red snapper. As we headed out, the weather began to change. The captain kept checking his instruments, particularly his depth finder, looking for the right underwater structure where the fish would be.

Despite the worsening conditions, he confidently navigated to what looked like an unremarkable spot of ocean. "This is it," he announced. "The fishing charts and depth finder don't lie."
 
We dropped our lines, and within minutes, we were all catching beautiful red snapper! The captain knew exactly where to find the fish, even when everything on the surface looked uncertain and chaotic.

God's Word is our depth finder in uncertain waters. When your circumstances feel stormy and nothing makes sense on the surface, His Word reveals what's truly happening in the depths. It never fails to guide us to exactly where we need to be.
 
That's why uncertain times become times of growth and maturity. You'll start growing when you choose to trust His love for you and pray with thanksgiving, knowing He has it all under control. You'll mature when you refuse having to understand everything before moving forward in faith. You'll develop deep roots when you stand firmly on His Word and look for hope in the future rather than staying fixated on the past.

In the midst of all uncertainty, remember one thing is absolutely certain – the tomb is empty and Jesus is alive! While other religions can point to where their founder is buried, we serve a risen Lord.
 
What uncertain waters are you navigating today? Trust the Lord's guidance through His Word. It may not make sense on the surface, but beneath the waves, He's directing you exactly where you need to go.