Message: “TRUSTING GOD IN UNCERTAIN SEASONS” from Joe Summers

Joe Summers - March 15, 2026

TRUSTING GOD IN UNCERTAIN SEASONS

TRUSTING GOD IN UNCERTAIN SEASONS Theme: Faith When Life Is Unclear Lesson Objective By the end of this lesson, we will understand that uncertainty is not the absence of God, and we will learn how to trust God’s guidance one step at a time, even when answers, timing, and outcomes are unclear. Introduction One of the biggest struggles young adults face is uncertainty: • “Am I on the right path?” • “Did I make the right decision?” • “What if I fail?” • “What if I’m too late—or too early?” We want clarity, but God often gives direction without details. We say: • “God, show me the whole plan.” God says: • “Trust Me with the next step.” Uncertainty is uncomfortable—but it is also one of God’s primary tools for developing faith. Foundational Truth Faith does not eliminate uncertainty; faith learns to walk through it with God. Primary Scriptures Old Testament • Proverbs 3:5–6 • Psalm 37:23–24 • Genesis 12:1–4 New Testament • Hebrews 11:8 • James 1:2–5 • Matthew 14:28–31 POINT 1: God Often Calls Us Without Explaining Everything Scripture: Genesis 12:1–4 (OT) “Go from your country… to the land I will show you.” God did not tell Abram: • Where exactly he was going • How long it would take • What obstacles he would face God simply said, “Go.” New Testament Connection: Hebrews 11:8 “By faith Abraham obeyed… even though he did not know where he was going.” Truth Faith is not about having all the information—it is about trusting the One who gives the instruction. Illustration GPS often says, “Proceed to the route.” It doesn’t show every turn at once—only the next one. God works the same way. POINT 2: Trusting God Means Leaning on Him, Not Yourself Scripture: Proverbs 3:5–6 (OT) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…” Our understanding is: • Limited • Emotional • Influenced by fear New Testament Support: 2 Corinthians 5:7 “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” Reality Most stress comes from trying to: • Control outcomes • Predict the future • Figure everything out alone Key Insight Trusting God doesn’t mean you stop thinking—it means you stop depending on your own thinking. POINT 3: God Directs the Steps of Those Who Walk with Him Scripture: Psalm 37:23–24 (OT) “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord…” God doesn’t promise: • A problem-free path But He does promise: • A guided path New Testament Connection: Romans 8:14 “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” Encouragement Even if you stumble: • You are not abandoned • You are not off God’s radar POINT 4: Uncertainty Is Often God’s Classroom Scripture: James 1:2–4 (NT) “Consider it pure joy… when you face trials of many kinds…” Trials: • Test faith • Build endurance • Develop maturity Old Testament Example: Exodus 13:17–18 God led Israel the long way, not the shortcut. Why? • To teach dependence • To build trust Truth God is more concerned with who you’re becoming than how fast you arrive. POINT 5: Fear Causes Us to Sink; Focus Keeps Us Walking Scripture: Matthew 14:28–31 (NT) Peter walked on water—until he focused on the storm. Old Testament Support: Isaiah 41:10 “Do not fear, for I am with you…” Application Uncertainty becomes overwhelming when: • We focus on what could go wrong • We forget who is with us Faith grows when: • Eyes stay on Jesus • Trust replaces panic Practical Application Ask Yourself: 1. Where is God asking me to trust Him right now? 2. What step am I delaying because of fear? 3. Am I seeking control or obedience? Faith Practice for the Week: • Pray daily: “Lord, guide my steps today—even if You only show me one.” • Take one obedient step this week. Conclusion Uncertainty is not a sign of God’s absence—it’s often proof of His guidance. You may not know: • What’s next • How it will work out • When answers will come But you can know who walks with you. ________________________________________ Short Altar / Response Call “Lord, I release my need to control the future. I choose to trust You with what I cannot see. Order my steps, steady my heart, and lead me one day at a time. I place my confidence in You alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”