The decision had been narrowed down to two schools for our granddaughter Emma*, a rising seventh-grader. Which would be the best choice for next year–Willow Hills or Sheridan? She’d taken the tests and been accepted by both; each offered its own set of benefits.
Our son Derek and daughter-in-law Heidi received input from others, but their comments only added to the list of pros and cons. No definitive answer came to light.
Emma spent a school day shadowing another student at Sheridan. “It was OK,” she reported afterward. “The teachers were nice.” But nothing she’d seen or experienced had convinced her, “This is the place I want to be!”
All through this process Derek, Heidi and Emma (as well as little sister Madison) had been praying God would make clear the best choice. The deadline was nearing and the uncertainty felt like a heavy weight upon their minds and hearts.
No doubt you’ve faced similar decisions. It’s not a comfortable place to be.
So why does God allow such distress? Why don’t the answers to our prayers become evident immediately?
There are a number of reasons. Among them:
Uncertainty reveals the frailty of self-reliance.
We can’t see the big picture, and to be honest, very little in our lives is under our full control. Times of uncertainty press us into a place of trusting God [1].
We do well to affirm he’s our devoted heavenly Father. We can trust that what he’s lovingly planned is exactly what we’d choose for ourselves if we could see the entire storyline [2].
So our son and his family (Nana and Papa too!) waited and prayed. All we could do was trust our faithful God to reveal his good and wise plan in his good time.
Uncertainty provides a platform for God to display his grace, wisdom, and power.
These attributes and more become apparent as the answer unfolds and we see his lovingkindness in the plan he’s designed, the wisdom behind it, and the power he’s wielded to make events play out just so.
In the meantime, we must realize the uncertainty we face is only apparent uncertainty. Our future and our provision are certain to God. We’d also do well to remember that “uncertain seasons are often some of the most powerful moments we experience with God” [3].
Uncertainty allows us to experience God in fresh ways as we:
- Sense his presence more profoundly during difficulty. Pat Chen calls it liquid love [4] — perfect imagery for the warm and comforting presence of our Heavenly Father.
- See his unfailing love on display, even as we struggle—through the kindness of others, the beauty of creation, an encouraging scripture, and more.
- Recognize his lavish goodness in the eventual, right-on-time provision.
The Sunday after the two acceptance letters arrived for Emma, our family just happened to sit in church in front of a couple with a son who attends Willow Hills.
Both the parents and he shared enthusiastically about the school. They also knew students at Sheridan and expressed concerns that our son and daughter-in-law hadn’t heard before.
The young man, several years older than Emma, spoke directly to her, giving her reasons why he’s loved Willow Hills.
Several days after that encounter, Emma and her dad visited Willow Hills for a tour. “Impressive!” he declared. “I like it!” she affirmed.
And so, just as we’d all prayed, God made the decision clear, and the weight lifted.
When have you faced a season of uncertainty? What helped you to triumph over the doubts and questions? Please share in the comment section below!
*All names changed, including the schools.
[1] https://serenityinsuffering.com/4-ways-to-trust-god-in-uncertainty/
[2] Katilyn Bouchillon, contributor to Take Heart, 210.
[3] Jon Bloom, Not by Sight, 57.
[4] Intimacy with the Beloved, 81-82.
Image credits: http://www.pexels.com; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.canva.com (3).
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Nothing highlights the distance between my knowledge and God’s knowledge like a season of uncertainty. Let’s be clear: I don’t like it. But it’s good for me to even begin a prayer with the words: “You are God. And I am not.” TT
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AMEN, Michele! Just affirming “You are God” can set our thoughts on who he is. And there’s nothing better to focus on no matter the season!
Wonderful post! Often, we are anxious to make a quick decision. Instead, we must trust God’s timing, which is different from our own. Patience and trusting in God’s providence is key. (Isaiah 60:22)
Absolutely, “patience and trusting in God’s providence is key!” Also, thank you for adding that scripture to the conversation, Linda.
I was rooting for Emma from the start! it was wonderful that her prayers were answered in a way that she could see God’s hand in it. Great message, Nancy. 🙂
The same thought occurred to me, Nancy. An event like this provides proof-positive that God is trustworthy. Emma will be able to look back on this example to help her trust him with even more confidence the next time she’s faced with a dilemma!
Truly humbling ourselves and asking God, through prayer, for His guidance inevitably leads to the right answers. What a marvelous example you’ve illustrated for us here, Nancy! And with God, to quote you, it never “just happens.” Only He can orchestrate the seeming complexities of our lives to suit His will for us. Blessings always!
Absolutely, Martha–nothing just happens to God’s children! Someone has said there’s no such thing as a coincidence for us–they’re God-incidents! I like that.
Years ago there was a stage production I wish I’d seen called “If/Then” (Idina Menzel), where the audience witnessed both paths of a life based on the several choices a woman made after her failed marriage. Your topic reminded me of that show. My own season of uncertainty – like your granddaughter’s – was my choice of college, but it was about being turned down by one and being accepted into the other. Effectively it was a choice where there was no other choice. God then showed me – before, during, and after – why my “choice” was a good one. Was it the better one? It doesn’t matter, because I prefer to think it was more about God’s plan versus my choice.
I’m with you, Dave. Life has taught me the superiority of following God’s plan than my own choice! / Sounds like God chose your college for you, which must have provided a sense of relief. / As for that play, “If/Then”, it’s amazing to contemplate how small decisions along the way can lead to widely-separated circumstances. Praise God he’s with us to guide, even in the small choices!
so glad she got clarity. One time I really struggle with a decision, back and forth, so uncertain. then felt God say, what does your gut say? I sat quietly and just knew. Then felt such peace. and relief. Sometimes I think the lesson is in the coming to the Lord with the struggle and listening to Him first, and then the waiting for the answer. The answer will come
AMEN and well said, Jean! Sometimes we have to step out in faith, without the clarity up front. But once we’ve prayed (and prayed some more!), weighed the options, consulted others, and finally made the decision, God’s inexplicable peace moves in our hearts and we KNOW. It was the right thing to do.
A lovely post , Nancy. And such a good reminder to not always desire quick answers but wait on God and trust in Him. This will also be something that affirms for Emma that it is good to wait on God and am sure it will serve her well to recall this as she needs to later on as she grows up.
I agree Manu. This has been a life-of-faith lesson for Emma that she won’t soon forget!
One of my granddaughters has had roadblocks and closed doors on her future. Although God has not shown her His path for her yet, we are all continuing to pray and acknowledge this waiting time has given her opportunities to think through things that might not have occurred to her. For my part, I know with certainty that God does not waste anything, but uses everything for His Glory. Thank you for sharing your family’s experiences. Don’t you just love how the Willow Hills family just happened to sit behind your family? Thank you, Jesus!
“God uses everything for His glory”–AMEN!! Both of our sons faced roadblocks as they transitioned from college to grad school to careers. No doubt they would tell you those experiences were well worth the frustration and confusion at the time, for the faith-lessons they learned and the spiritual maturity they developed. As for that Willow Hills family sitting behind us in church AND for the conversation to gravitate toward “school,” well, God obviously engineered the whole circumstance!
Absolutely! God cares about us, and in His love He makes things happen in a way we could not even dream of. Thanks for sharing your sons’ experiences as they transitioned as well.
AMEN again, Linda! And thank you for reading and sharing your insights!
I love how God worked in Emma’s and your family’s school decision. It’s a lesson in faith that she will carry with her for the rest of her life. And if troubles or doubts arise during her time there, she can look back with confidence at God’s guidance and not doubt His plan for her. Thank you for sharing this faith lesson, Nancy.
You’re welcome, Patty. Your comments echo my thinking exactly!
I love this tour through uncertainty, Nancy. Especially, “Uncertainty provides a platform for God to display his grace, wisdom, and power“
Yes! Here’s to a fantastic education ahead for your granddaughter!
Thank you, Wynne. Emma received her summer packet and is actually enthused about the language arts portion, and happy that the math section isn’t a lot of over-drill and busywork! Hopeful indicators of what’s in store for her!
I think my season of uncertainty was regarding my plan to get married to a Christian man who loved God and have my own family. I wanted to be a pastor’s wife and become a mom more than anything. At Taylor I took Bible courses, Hymnology, Church Piano, determined to be ready when the right man came into my life. That never happened, so years later out of desperation I got engaged at Christmas to a guy not having even dated him very long. I didn’t love or even like the him. As wedding plans were being made, the Lord gave me three reasons not to follow through with this marriage. Three very clear reasons. If I had continued with this plan of mine, it would not have been blessed by God; I know that for sure. The three reasons were so very clear to me that by February I had broken things off. I had been so impatient for ‘my plan’ to come to fruition that I almost made the biggest mistake of my life. Years later I know the Lord was so right that I remain single. It took me decades to come to terms with God’s plan for my life, years of wasted sorrow and depression. I am a very happy and contented aunt and great-aunt. My brother’s descendants are the joys of my life. God always knows best.
Thank you VERY much for sharing your experience, Cheri. May God use your story to help other young women think carefully about getting married if they’re not sure about such a commitment. The decision to go ahead anyway can have devastating results. You are to be commended for lavishing your love and care on those nieces and nephews! Your Christ-like example will live in their hearts and be passed down through future generations.
Thanks, Nancy. Just wanted to share with you that my ten-year-old great-great nephew David was baptized on Sunday. He is the son of my late brother’s oldest grandchild Dacota. I posted pictures on my FB timeline. Such a blessing to see such young ones commit their lives to Christ.
O yes! Please know I pray for you and your family REGULARLY. I’ll check out the pics on FB!
Don’t you just love how God answers our prayers in ways that often catch us off guard?! I’m so grateful that He specializes in using those uncertain times to cause us to pivot and look at Him with completely trust that He will do all things well.
Bless you, bless your family, bless your week, friend.
Indeed I DO revel in these events that prove what we know about our loving, attentive, and powerful God! I’ve lived long enough to experience such proofs over and over again! He is the One whose unfailing love surrounds us as we trust in him (Psalm 32:10). P.S. Thank you for your blessing, Linda. I pray the same for you also!
I’ve faced so many decisions like that, where there didn’t seem to be a clear indication one way or another for a long time. I do think God uses those seasons in the ways you mentioned. Sometimes the very process of waiting and praying helps us sift through our motives and willingness.
Agreed, Barbara. No doubt God ALWAYS has a lesson for us in waiting and praying. I especially appreciate the particular areas you mentioned: our motives and our willingness. Thank you for adding that astute observation to the conversation!
Dear Nancy, this line in particular resonated with me today, “Uncertainty reveals the frailty of self-reliance.”
I am getting better at/learning to trust that my reliance can be completely on God, who loves me with an everlasting love…. and Who loves all those who I love… and He works everything for our good and his glory.
But goodness, I need that reminder!
I see progress too, Jody, able to deal with uncertainty much better than years ago. I find a breath prayer helps me refocus my attention away from the quandary and onto our heavenly Father: “I am trusting You, my loving, sovereign Savior.” (However, I too need occasional reminders!)
Relying on God in the places of uncertainty goes against everything in us that’s human, which is why trusting Him is a place of faith, an act of faith. It’s also countercultural to the very self-reliant culture we live in. I love your quote from Lysa-“Trusting God’s plan is the ONLY secret I know in the gentle art of not freaking out.” How appropriate! He’s so faithful, so compassionate, so incredibly present and knows everything that not trusting Him is counterintuitive!
Amen, Dayle, and thank you for adding your insight. It’s a wonderful place to be, in our Lord’s faithful, compassionate, and incredibly present care, to reach the place where NOT trusting Him is counterintuitive!