Jesus: The Anchor in Uncertainty 

In the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels, we witness numerous instances where the disciples of Jesus faced uncertainty as they followed Him through various trials and challenges. 

Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. 24 Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” 26 He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. 27 The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” ( Matthew 8: 23-27 ) 

That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” 39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. 40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” 41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” ( Mark 4: 35-41 ) 

One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. 23 As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. ( Luke 8: 22-23 )

Here Jesus and His disciples encounter a fierce storm while crossing the Sea of Galilee. As the waves crash over the boat and the wind howls around them, the disciples are gripped by fear and uncertainty. In their distress, they wake Jesus, who is asleep in the stern, with the desperate plea, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” 

The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. ( Luke 8:24 ) 

Jesus, unfazed by the raging tempest, calmly rebukes the wind and the waves, bringing about a great calm. 

“Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.” ( Luke 8:25 ) 

In this moment, Jesus teaches His disciples—and us—a profound lesson about trusting in God’s sovereignty even in the midst of life’s storms. Despite the uncertainty of their circumstances, Jesus assures them of His presence and power to bring peace and security.

Abraham’s Faith and Obedience 

Abraham’s story exemplifies unwavering faith and obedience amidst uncertainty. When God instructed Abraham to leave his homeland for an unfamiliar destination, promising to bless him and make him the father of a great nation. 

The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. 2 “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you. ( Genesis 12: 1-3 ) 

Abraham chose to trust God’s guidance despite not knowing where the journey would lead. Abraham’s unwavering faith serves as a timeless example of trusting God amidst uncertainty. Despite not knowing the specifics of God’s promises or how they would unfold, Abraham’s belief in God was counted as righteousness. 

What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” ( Romans 4:3 ) 

Throughout his life, Abraham faced numerous tests of faith, including the challenge of having a child with Sarah and later being asked to sacrifice Isaac, his beloved son. Yet, in each trial, Abraham continued to trust in God’s provision and faithfulness. ( Genesis 15, 17, 22 ) 

Abraham’s story teaches us that walking by faith often means obeying God’s calling even when we lack clarity about the details or outcome. It underscores the importance of trusting in God’s character and His promises, even in the face of uncertainty. 

Esther’s Courage in Risk and Uncertainty 

Esther’s bravery in the face of uncertainty is a testament to her courage and faith. Confronted with the knowledge of Haman’s plot to annihilate her people, Esther grappled with the risk of approaching the king uninvited, knowing it could cost her life. 

10 Then she instructed him to say to Mordecai, 11 “All the king’s officials and the people of the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that they be put to death unless the king extends the gold scepter to them and spares their lives. But thirty days have passed since I was called to go to the king.” ( Esther 4: 10-11 ) 

Yet, her cousin Mordecai urged her to recognize the possibility that she was placed in her position “for such a time as this”. 

For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” ( Esther 4:14 ) 

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the outcome, Esther boldly extended an invitation to the king and Haman for a banquet, ultimately revealing Haman’s nefarious scheme. Esther’s decision to entrust her future to God is encapsulated in her declaration, “If I perish, I perish”. 

16 “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” ( Esther 4:16 ) 

Her story showcases unwavering faith in God’s providence. Miraculously, the king received her favorably, leading to decrees that safeguarded rather than threatened the Jews. 

3 Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor with you, Your Majesty, and if it pleases you, grant me my life—this is my petition. And spare my people—this is my request. 4 For I and my people have been sold to be destroyed, killed and annihilated. If we had merely been sold as male and female slaves, I would have kept quiet, because no such distress would justify disturbing the king.” 5 King Xerxes asked Queen Esther, “Who is he? Where is he—the man who has dared to do such a thing?” 6 Esther said, “An adversary and enemy! This vile Haman!” (Esther 7:3-6) 

7 King Xerxes replied to Queen Esther and to Mordecai the Jew, “Because Haman attacked the Jews, I have given his estate to Esther, and they have impaled him on the pole he set up. 8 Now write another decree in the king’s name in behalf of the Jews as seems best to you, and seal it with the king’s signet ring—for no document written in the king’s name and sealed with his ring can be revoked.” ( Esther 8: 7-8 )

 Esther’s narrative serves as a powerful reminder that even amid uncertainty, trusting in God’s plan can lead to remarkable outcomes. Her courage and reliance on divine guidance inspire us to confront risk with faith and resolve, knowing that God is ultimately in control. 

Job’s Perseverance Through Suffering: 

Job’s story is one of enduring faith amidst profound suffering. Stricken by sudden tragedy, Job endured the loss of his health, wealth, and even his children, leaving him questioning the reasons behind his anguish. His friends, believing his suffering to be a result of sin, offered explanations that Job vehemently denied. ( Job 1-31 ) 

Despite the unrelenting trials and the absence of clear answers, Job chose to persevere in his faith. 

“Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him” ( Job 13:15 ) 

Demonstrating an unwavering trust in God’s sovereignty even in the face of incomprehensible suffering. Job’s journey led him to acknowledge the inscrutability of God’s judgments, recognizing that His ways are beyond human understanding. 

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and[a] knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! ( Romans 11:33 ) 

Despite not knowing God’s reasons, he concluded restored relationship with God mattered more than an explanation. 

42 Then Job replied to the Lord: 2 “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. 3 You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. 4 “You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.’ 5 My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. 6 Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.” ( Job 42: 1-6 ) 

Throughout his ordeal, Job’s steadfastness in faith serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience found in trusting God amidst adversity. Despite the absence of immediate relief or explanation for his suffering, Job’s unwavering commitment to hope in God stands as a beacon of perseverance for believers facing their trials.