Facing the Unknown
By Kelly Mowrer
Facing an unknown outcome or unresolved situation really weighs on me any time I try to think my way through it with my own resources. So many times when I’ve prayed for “stronger faith”, what I’m really meaning is “I want to ‘feel’ more confident because I can clearly see both the end result, plus how I’m going to get there.”
I would like to know exactly what steps to take, what kind of timeframe I’m dealing with, and what resources I’m going to use.
But God has been gently showing me that faith isn’t found in seeing the details. There will always be more questions and more situations needing resolution. I will never know enough to then feel like it’s safe to stop worrying.
However, what I really want—to be at peace and be able to relax—comes when I focus on Him and when I remember the all-encompassing safety net my connection with Him gives me.
I don’t need to know the details or the timing or the end result. I belong to Him and He owns all the resources. He already knows everything that will happen, plus He’s planned a wonderful future for me.
So I go on, not knowing--
I would not, if I might--
I would rather walk in the dark with God
Then go alone in the light;
I would rather walk with Him by faith
Then walk alone by sight.
--Mary Gardiner Brainard
(1837-1905)
© Live at the Well.
Permissions: You are permitted and encouraged to reproduce and distribute this material in any format provided that you do not alter the wording in any way and do not charge a fee. Any exceptions to the above must be approved by Live at the Well.
Please include the following statement on any distributed copy: By Kelly Mowrer. © Live at the Well.
Facing an unknown outcome or unresolved situation really weighs on me any time I try to think my way through it with my own resources. So many times when I’ve prayed for “stronger faith”, what I’m really meaning is “I want to ‘feel’ more confident because I can clearly see both the end result, plus how I’m going to get there.”
I would like to know exactly what steps to take, what kind of timeframe I’m dealing with, and what resources I’m going to use.
But God has been gently showing me that faith isn’t found in seeing the details. There will always be more questions and more situations needing resolution. I will never know enough to then feel like it’s safe to stop worrying.
However, what I really want—to be at peace and be able to relax—comes when I focus on Him and when I remember the all-encompassing safety net my connection with Him gives me.
I don’t need to know the details or the timing or the end result. I belong to Him and He owns all the resources. He already knows everything that will happen, plus He’s planned a wonderful future for me.
So I go on, not knowing--
I would not, if I might--
I would rather walk in the dark with God
Then go alone in the light;
I would rather walk with Him by faith
Then walk alone by sight.
--Mary Gardiner Brainard
(1837-1905)
© Live at the Well.
Permissions: You are permitted and encouraged to reproduce and distribute this material in any format provided that you do not alter the wording in any way and do not charge a fee. Any exceptions to the above must be approved by Live at the Well.
Please include the following statement on any distributed copy: By Kelly Mowrer. © Live at the Well.