Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

Life can often be filled with uncertainty, especially when we contemplate our future. For many of us, this can lead to stress and anxiety. If you’re a young adult stepping into the world, you might find yourself questioning, “Who should I marry?” “Where will I live?” “What career path should I pursue?” And as we age, those questions evolve—“What’s next?” “What about retirement?” or “How can I fit into my adult children’s lives?” We all long for direction and purpose, regardless of our stage in life.

The pressure to discern God’s plan can be overwhelming. The struggles and opposition we face only heighten our doubts and anxieties. So, how do we cultivate a devoted life to God while trusting Him with our unknowns? David’s story, as told in 1 Samuel 18, offers us valuable insight.

David was chosen by God to be the future king of Israel, a calling that would not manifest for another 15 years. During this period, David succeeded in all that he did, enjoying God’s blessings. Yet, his success stirred jealousy in King Saul, leading to anger and ultimately violence against David. Imagine the confusion: being anointed by God yet hunted by the current king. David’s life was anything but uncomplicated.

In our lives, we often feel called to achieve significant things for God, but the path can become complicated, just as it did for David. The waiting period between our calling and the fulfillment of that promise is often the hardest time to navigate.

For David, the waiting was not punishment; it was part of God’s divine plan. During this season, David grew stronger in his faith as he pressed into God amid adversity, and so can we. As stated in 1 Samuel 18:14, “In everything he did he had great success because the Lord was with him.” This demonstrates that remaining in alignment with God’s will is key, even when circumstances appear challenging.

Learning to be content where we are, rather than becoming consumed by worry, helps us to trust God more deeply. As we cultivate an attitude of trust, patiently pursuing God and being faithful in our current circumstances, contentment arises in place of anxiety.
So, how do you handle the waiting for what God has called you to do? What actions do you take in this period of waiting? Reflect on how you manage the “not yet” of your life.
In moments of uncertainty, let’s remember that waiting is not wasted time; it’s a time for growth, reflection, and deeper trust in God.

The future may be unclear, but just like David, we can take comfort in knowing that God is with us, preparing us for what’s next. Let’s embrace the season of waiting as an opportunity to draw closer to Him, trusting that His plan is unfolding in our lives even when we can’t see it.