Trusting God Through Uncertainty: A Journey of Faith

Summary

Today, we gathered as a church family to celebrate God’s faithfulness and to reflect on the journey into the unknown—those uncharted waters of our future that can be both exciting and intimidating. As we honored our graduates and prepared for transitions in our worship ministry, we were reminded that life is full of unpredictable moments. Yet, in the midst of uncertainty, God calls us to a life of trust, acknowledgement, and following His lead.

Drawing from Proverbs 3:5-6, we explored the difference between faith and trust. Faith is built on knowledge of God’s Word, but trust is rooted in relationship. Trusting God means being confident, bold, secure, and even fearless in Him, especially when we can’t see the way forward. Like a child leaping into a father’s arms through smoke and flames, we are invited to trust God’s voice even when we can’t see Him, knowing He is always present and faithful.

This trust is cultivated through relationship, and relationship leads to discipleship. Jesus invites us to learn from Him, to make Him our mentor, and to allow His ways to shape our lives. As we grow in knowing Him, we naturally begin to acknowledge Him in all our ways—giving Him the glory, recognizing His hand in our lives, and making His faithfulness known to others. Our priorities reveal what we truly acknowledge, and as we put God first, we find our lives transformed.

Ultimately, the journey of trust and acknowledgement leads us to follow God’s direction. Every day brings new decisions and unknowns, but when we let God lead, He directs our paths—even through storms and valleys. Like King David, who prospered because he learned to trust, acknowledge, and follow God, we are called to inquire of the Lord in every decision, big or small. Obedience is the key: God will do what He says when we do what He says.

No matter what unknowns you face, God is for you. He is already in your future, orchestrating your steps. The invitation is to trust Him, acknowledge Him, and follow Him—beginning with salvation and continuing every day as we seek His ways and put Him first. As we resolve to make Him known, He promises to guide us through every unknown.

Key Takeaways

- Trust is Rooted in Relationship, Not Just Knowledge
Faith comes by hearing the Word, but trust is built through a personal relationship with God. When circumstances are uncertain and faith feels weak, trust anchors us because we know God’s character and faithfulness from walking with Him. Like a child trusting a father’s voice in the dark, we can leap into God’s arms, confident He will catch us. Trust grows as we experience God’s reliability in our lives. [09:25]

- Discipleship Flows from Relationship and Leads to Transformation
As we deepen our relationship with Jesus, we become His disciples—learning from Him, imitating His ways, and allowing Him to mentor us. True discipleship is not about religious activity but about being teachable and letting Christ shape our priorities, habits, and thinking. The more we know Him, the more we become like Him, and this transformation empowers us to live out His purposes. [13:53]

- Acknowledging God Means Giving Him the Glory in All Things
To acknowledge God is to recognize, confess, and make known His work in our lives. It’s about giving credit where it’s due, refusing to steal His glory, and being quick to testify of His faithfulness. When we make God known, He reveals more of Himself to us, and our lives become a testimony that points others to Him. Our priorities—time, resources, attention—reveal what we truly acknowledge. [15:59]

- Following God Requires Obedience and Sensitivity to His Leading
Success in life is determined by who we follow. God promises to direct our paths when we trust and acknowledge Him, but this requires a willingness to obey even when the way is unfamiliar or uncomfortable. Like using a GPS that sees obstacles ahead, following God’s Spirit may lead us on unexpected routes, but His perspective ensures we reach our destination safely. Obedience is the bridge between God’s promise and our experience. [27:41]

- God’s Guidance is Continuous and Begins with Surrender
God is not a distant observer; He is actively guiding us every day, not just in big decisions but in the small, daily choices. His guidance begins with surrender—choosing to trust, acknowledge, and follow Him, starting with salvation and continuing as a daily practice. As we put Him first, even in the little things, He brings clarity, provision, and peace, leading us through every unknown with confidence. [39:48]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:43] - Facing the Unknown: The Future’s Challenge
[04:25] - Solomon’s Request for Wisdom
[05:46] - Trust in the Lord: What It Really Means
[07:08] - Faith vs. Trust: Relationship Over Knowledge
[09:25] - Building Trust Through God’s Faithfulness
[12:05] - Discipleship: Learning from Jesus
[13:53] - Becoming Like Christ Through Relationship
[14:54] - Acknowledging God in All Our Ways
[17:15] - The Power of God’s Anointing and Our Testimony
[21:10] - Priorities: What Do We Truly Acknowledge?
[22:33] - Who Are You Following?
[23:47] - God Directs Our Paths Through Every Unknown
[27:41] - Obedience: The Key to God’s Direction
[36:41] - God Will Do What He Says When We Obey
[37:49] - God Is For You: Resting in His Promises
[39:48] - Salvation: The Starting Point of Trust
[41:55] - Daily Practice: Putting God First
[42:46] - Responding to God’s Call and Prayer for Commitment

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Trusting God Through the Unknown

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### Bible Reading

- Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

- Matthew 11:29
"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

- Isaiah 58:11
"The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail."

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### Observation Questions

1. In Proverbs 3:5-6, what are the three actions we are called to take, and what does God promise in response?
2. According to the sermon, what is the difference between faith and trust? ([07:08])
3. In Matthew 11:29, what invitation does Jesus give, and what does He promise to those who accept it?
4. How does the sermon describe the way God guides us through the unknown? ([28:37])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says that trust is rooted in relationship, not just knowledge. Why might it be easier to trust someone you know personally, and how does this apply to our relationship with God? ([09:25])
2. Jesus invites us to “learn from Him” in Matthew 11:29. What does it look like to make Jesus your mentor in everyday life? ([13:11])
3. The sermon mentions that our priorities reveal what we truly acknowledge. How can someone tell what their real priorities are? ([21:10])
4. The pastor shared that obedience is the bridge between God’s promise and our experience. Why is obedience sometimes difficult, especially when the way forward is unclear? ([36:41])

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### Application Questions

1. The pastor shared a story about a child jumping into his father’s arms through smoke and flames, trusting the father’s voice even when he couldn’t see him. Can you think of a time when you had to trust God without seeing the outcome? What helped you take that leap? ([09:25])
2. The sermon says that trust grows as we experience God’s reliability. What is one area of your life right now where you need to trust God more? What would it look like to take a step of trust this week? ([10:38])
3. Jesus invites us to be His disciples and learn from Him. Is there a specific habit or area of your life where you sense Jesus is calling you to be more teachable or to imitate Him? ([13:11])
4. The pastor said, “Our priorities—time, resources, attention—reveal what we truly acknowledge.” If someone looked at your calendar and spending, what would they say matters most to you? Is there a change you feel led to make? ([21:10])
5. The sermon talked about following God’s lead, even when it’s uncomfortable or unfamiliar. Is there a decision or transition you’re facing where you need to seek God’s direction? How can you “inquire of the Lord” like David did? ([30:41])
6. The pastor mentioned that God’s guidance is continuous and begins with surrender. What is one small, daily choice where you can practice putting God first this week? ([39:48])
7. The message ended with a call to make God known to others. Who is one person in your life who needs to hear about God’s faithfulness? What is a practical way you can share your story or encourage them this week? ([42:46])

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to pray for one another, especially for areas where trust, surrender, or obedience are needed. Encourage each person to ask God for courage to follow Him through the unknowns ahead.

Devotional

Day 1: Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart
Trusting God means placing your confidence in Him, even when the future is uncertain and you cannot see what lies ahead. True trust is not just about having knowledge or faith, but about cultivating a deep relationship with God, knowing He is faithful and present in every circumstance. Like a child leaping into a father's arms through smoke and flames, you can trust that God sees you, even when you cannot see Him, and He will catch you when you step out in faith. [10:38]

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV):
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths."

Reflection: What is one area of your life right now where you feel uncertain or afraid? Can you take a step today to trust God with that specific unknown, even if you can’t see the outcome?


Day 2: Discipleship Flows from Relationship with Jesus
As you grow in relationship with Jesus, you become His disciple, learning from Him and allowing Him to be your mentor. Discipleship is not just about following rules, but about letting Jesus shape your character, your thinking, and your actions, so that you become more like Him and find true rest for your soul. The more you know Jesus, the more you will reflect His ways, and this transformation brings peace that surpasses understanding, even in the midst of life’s deepest valleys. [13:53]

Matthew 11:29 (ESV):
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

Reflection: In what practical way can you let Jesus mentor you today—perhaps by spending time in His Word, prayer, or seeking His guidance in a specific decision?


Day 3: Acknowledge God in All Your Ways
Acknowledging God means giving Him the credit and glory for every good thing in your life, recognizing His hand at work, and making Him known to others. When you openly confess and celebrate what God has done, you sow seeds of faith that allow Him to reveal even more of His ways to you and those around you. This act of acknowledgment is not just for public moments, but in the quiet, daily choices where you prioritize God above all else, letting your life point others to His faithfulness. [15:59]

Proverbs 3:6 (NKJV):
"In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths."

Reflection: Think of a recent blessing, breakthrough, or answered prayer—how can you intentionally give God the credit for it today, either privately or by sharing with someone else?


Day 4: Following God’s Lead Brings Direction and Peace
Following God is a daily, sometimes moment-by-moment journey, where you listen for His guidance and trust Him to lead you through both smooth and stormy seasons. God sees what you cannot see, and when you choose to follow His direction—rather than your own agenda or the voices of the world—He promises to guide you safely, even through the unknown. Like David, who inquired of the Lord before every major decision, you are invited to seek God’s will and let Him establish your steps, knowing that obedience to His leading brings blessing and peace. [24:35]

Psalm 23:4 (ESV):
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me."

Reflection: What is one decision or transition you are facing where you need God’s direction? Take time today to ask Him specifically for guidance and commit to following wherever He leads.


Day 5: Prioritize God First and Let Him Guide You Through the Unknown
Making God your first priority each day—before anything else—positions you to receive His wisdom, strength, and guidance for whatever lies ahead. When you resolve to trust, acknowledge, and follow Him, even in the little things, you invite His presence and power into every aspect of your life. As you daily choose to put God first, He will faithfully guide you through the unknown, transforming your journey and using your life to make Him known to others. [41:55]

Matthew 6:33 (ESV):
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Reflection: Before you check your phone, start your work, or dive into your daily routine tomorrow, how can you intentionally put God first—perhaps by reading Scripture, praying, or simply inviting Him into your day?

Quotes

``Faith is obtained through knowledge. What do you mean? Scripture says faith comes by hearing, hearing by the Word. As we hear the Word, then there's a supernatural dynamic attached to the living Word of God. But through hearing the Word, our faith is fed. So faith is really based on a knowledge of God's Word. Whereas trust has nothing to do with knowledge. It has everything to do with relationship. [00:07:04] (33 seconds) Edit Clip

Having peace of mind is a big thing. People turn to other coping skills, trying to acquire peace within their minds. But then Scripture says, if we'll place our trust in Christ, He will give us, this is what the Apostle Paul says, a peace that surpasses all understanding. I can tell you, in some of the deepest valleys of my life, I have had a peace beyond comprehension when I have totally cast my care and my trust on Almighty God. [00:12:21] (33 seconds) Edit Clip

We're not here to become famous. We're here to make Him famous. Somebody say amen. And when we understand that, God will trust us with more. Giving credit where credit is due. This is what Solomon is emphasizing in Proverbs 3 .6. He says, in all your ways acknowledge Him. [00:14:54] (20 seconds) Edit Clip

Do you know God provides for what He orders? And when we follow His lead, you can't fail. Did you hear me? You can't fail when you're following God's lead for your life. That's why Solomon says in verse 6 of our text, in all your ways acknowledge, make Him known, Him, and He shall or will do what? Direct your paths. Notice paths is in the plural because every day is a new journey, right? Every day is the unknown. [00:23:39] (31 seconds) Edit Clip

He sees what we don't see. He sees what you don't see. And if you will trust Him, if you will acknowledge Him, and if you will follow Him, He will lead you through to the other side. That's why we can trust the Lord with our futures. [00:28:58] (16 seconds) Edit Clip

Follow His way. Follow directions. And you won't have to live in fear. Whatever the decision, in all your ways, acknowledge Him. And He'll direct your paths. You see, God will do what He says when we do what He says. Did you catch the play on words there? Holy Spirit gave that to me last night. I had to give that to Carl so he could update it on the overhead here. God will do what He says when we do what He says. That boils down to one word. Somebody shout it out. Obedience. Obedience. [00:36:24] (38 seconds) Edit Clip

The Lord, He's not against you. He's for you. God is for you. That should bring peace and rest for your souls. He may not always be for what we have done or said, but He's still for us. Wasn't that the whole motivation behind the cross? For God so loved the world that He gave. He's for you. [00:37:39] (30 seconds) Edit Clip

The future is uncertain for us, that's for sure, but not for God. Isn't that comforting? God's in the past, the present, He's in the future. That's how He can orchestrate our steps. The steps of the righteous, a good man or woman, are ordered, established by the Lord. Why? Because He's in the future and He knows exactly the road we need to walk to get to the destination He has in store for us. [00:38:37] (27 seconds) Edit Clip

If you choose well, if you ask, God will lead you through the unknown. Aren't you glad for that? Asking begins at salvation. You've got to know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. Ask Him to forgive you of your sins first. Ask Him to come into your life and to be your personal Savior and Lord. Salvation is the starting point of trust, acknowledgement, and following. And then it continues as we apply those same principles every day. [00:39:34] (41 seconds) Edit Clip

Make a resolution within your own heart. Resolve that you will make Him known. And as you make Him known, do you know what He'll do? He will guide you through the unknown. [00:42:39] (15 seconds) Edit Clip