Next Move: Trusting Him in an Uncertain World
by Shannon Wagers
This world is so chaotic right now. Lately we might feel like we are shifting from adversity to adversity. We get prepared for our next move and suddenly things are topsy-turvy.
Previously, I wrote a blog called “Facing the Unknown” in which I shared seven “P’s” for action steps to take when a crisis strikes our lives. I noted that I just scratched the surface as the Bible is a PROMISE from God to us that he is in control of this world.
Hear these words today and be encouraged from Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble” (NLT).
Uncertainty
We can hold onto that verse, especially when more troubles and craziness ensue. Everyone is trying to figure out their next move. Take, for example, the major professional sports leagues who are planning their next move.
- The NBA is considering locating all of its games to the Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World resort in Florida. The 22-team plan would include teams that are currently within six games of the final playoff spots in each conference.
- Major League Baseball has had at least three different proposed plans, some of which include an 82-game revamped schedule and a universal DH.
- The NHL announced a tournament with 24 teams in competition for the Stanley Cup. Two “hub” cities would host this tournament for the Stanley Cup.
- The NFL is hoping to start its season as scheduled, with the 2020 season opener in September. International games scheduled for London and Mexico City will not be played in 2020.
- Major League Soccer is targeting a return in the summer, playing in Orlando, Florida. Games would be a tournament format.
Of course, none of these leagues can be sure about how things will evolve with COVID-19 in the months, weeks, or even days to come. The great news is that God is prepared to lead us into our next move, but we have to be ready to listen to him. It’s a power source we can tap into and it can come in different ways.
Certain Leading
Sometimes a Scripture verse just seems to float up right in front of you that encourages and leads you. We read in 2 Timothy 3:16, 17, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work” (NLT).
It can be a leading from the Holy Spirit for the direction we should take. When seeking God in fervent prayer, these leadings from the Holy Spirit can be anything from a very gentle nudging to something much stronger. Romans 8:14 assures us, “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God” (NLT).
As more recent events have transpired, our world has been turned more upside down—if that’s even possible to fathom. It reminds me of how the Israelites must have felt at the time of the Exodus. The Israelites had been forced into years upon years of slavery in Egypt. The story of Moses unfolds as he confronts Pharaoh to release the Israelites, and more chaos ensures. Here’s the play-by-play of what happened in Egypt.
- Water turned to blood: Exodus 7:14-24
- Frogs infested Egypt: Exodus 7:25–8:15
- Gnats came upon men and animals: Exodus 8:16-19
- Flies swarmed the Egyptians: Exodus 8:20-32
- All of the Egyptian livestock perished: Exodus 9:1-7
- Boils broke out and festered on the Egyptians: Exodus 9:8-12
- Devastating hail and lightning rained down on the Egyptians: Exodus 9:13-35
- Locusts devoured the Egyptians’ crops: Exodus 10:1-20
- Darkness covered all of Egypt for three days: Exodus 10:21-29
- Death of Egyptians’ firstborn: Exodus 11:1–12:36
Certain Adversity
Can you imagine what the Israelites must have thought? The world was truly chaotic at this point. Even the plagues that did not directly impact the Israelites must have given them a serious wakeup call! Before the final plague God commanded Moses to tell the Israelites to mark above their doors with lamb’s blood so that God would “pass over” them, so that they would not be touched by the death of the firstborn. For this reason, this event has been known as the first Passover.
At that point Pharaoh finally had enough, so he ordered the Israelites to leave, taking their flocks and herds, and then he asked Moses to bless him in the name of the Lord. The Israelites took their leave and headed toward the Red Sea. But not long after that, things continued to get crazy again. And the Israelites faced more adverse conditions . . .
- Pharaoh’s army chased after the Israelites: Exodus 14:5-29
- The Israelites faced hunger: Exodus 16
- The Israelites faced thirst: Exodus 17:1-7
- The Israelites were attacked by the Amalekites: Exodus 17:8-16
Certain Presence
Singer-songwriter Rich Mullins recounted the story of this adversity in his song “I See You,” demonstrating how God was ever present to lead his people.
Lord, You’re leading me with a cloud by day,
And then in the night the glow of a burning flame.
And everywhere I go, I see You,
And everywhere I go, I see You.
I go back to Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble,” to encourage you that God is in control no matter what we face. Trouble will impact us all at some point, but God’s Word reminds us, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me” (John 14:1, NLT). Though troubles will arise, God is ready to help us—no matter what next move he leads us to.
Another song recorded by Rich Mullins, “Bound to Come Some Trouble,” has provided a refuge in my life. It serves as a reminder to trust in God and his sovereignty.
There’s bound to come some trouble to your life,
But that ain’t nothing to be afraid of.
There’s bound to come some trouble to your life,
But that ain’t no reason to fear.
I know there’s bound to come some trouble to your life,
But reach out to Jesus, hold on tight.
He’s been there before and He knows what it’s like,
You’ll find He’s there.
Now, people say maybe things will get better,
People say maybe it won’t be long.
And people say maybe you’ll wake up tomorrow,
And it’ll all be gone.
Well I only know that maybes just ain’t enough
When you need something to hold on;
There’s only one thing that’s clear.
I know there’s bound to come some trouble to your life,
But that ain’t nothing to be afraid of.
I know there’s bound to come some tears up in your eyes,
That ain’t no reason to fear.
I know there’s bound to come some trouble to your life,
Reach out to Jesus, hold on tight.
He’s been there before and He knows what it’s like,
You’ll find He’s there.
Shannon Wagers is a Corporate Trainer and Master Facilitator for P&G’s Innovation Lab called “The GYM.” Shannon resides in Liberty Township with his wife Ruth, daughter Katherine, and dog Bear.