How to Navigate Uncertain Times

Pastor Jay examines old testament examples of waiting to teach us that we should not be self-focused, fear-focused or solution-focused when waiting on God’s plan and timing.

HOW TO NAVIGATE UNCERTAIN TIMES

In uncertain times we often find ourselves in a place of waiting. How do we navigate waiting well?

The Children of Israel were self-focused as they waited on Moses.

• Exodus 32:1 – When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, “Come, make us gods who will go before us.”

The Children of Israel were fear-focused as they waited to enter the promised land.

• Deuteronomy 1:29-31 – Then I said to you, “Do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them. The Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, and in the wilderness. There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.”

Abraham and Sarah were solution-focused as they waited on his promise.

• Genesis 15:2-3 – But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.”
• Genesis 16:2 – So she said to Abram, “The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my slave; perhaps I can build a family through her.” Abram agreed to what Sarai said.

Evidence we are not waiting well: 

1. Rushing to do something

• Isaiah 28:16 – See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic.

2. Hasty decisions without seeking God.

• Ecclesiastes 8:3 – Do not be in a hurry to leave the king’s presence.

3. Lack of prayer

• 2 Chronicles 12:14 – He did evil because he had not set his heart on seeking the Lord.

4. Looking to man instead of God

• Psalm 62:5 – Yes, my soul, find rest in God;  my hope comes from him.
• Philippians 4:19 – And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

5. Getting ahead of God’s timing

• Psalm 106:13 – But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his plan to unfold.
• Psalm 130:6 – I wait for the Lord, more than watchmen wait for the morning.
• Psalm 27:14 – Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

Promises for those who wait:

1. Deliverance from embarrassment

• Psalm 25:3 – No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame.

2. Blessings

• Isaiah 30:18 – Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!
• Lamentations 3:25 – The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him
• Psalm 25:5 – Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day.

3. Strength

• Psalm 27:14 – Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
• Psalm 59:9 – You are my strength, I watch for you; you, God, are my fortress,