Trusting God Through Uncertainty: Steps of Faith
Summary
This morning, we gathered in the presence of the Lord, reminded of His faithfulness and the overflowing grace and mercy He has shown us through Christ Jesus. As we worshiped, we reflected on the truth that God has a plan and purpose for each of our lives—not just in some distant, grand moment, but in the daily steps we take. Our journey through Genesis 24 began with Abraham, a man blessed in every way, yet still facing uncertainty about the future of God’s promise through his son Isaac. Even after a lifetime of God’s provision, Abraham found himself at a crossroads, unsure how the promise would continue, since Isaac was still unmarried.
This story is not just about Abraham, Isaac, or the servant sent to find a wife for Isaac; it’s about learning to trust God when the path ahead is unclear. God’s plan often begins with uncertainty, calling us to faith before clarity, obedience before outcome, and trust before full understanding. Abraham’s response to uncertainty was not to wait passively, but to take a step of faith—sending his servant on a journey with no guarantees, trusting that God would fulfill His promise.
We saw that faith is not rooted in our carefully crafted plans, but in the unchanging promises of God. Abraham’s confidence was not in the success of his strategy, but in the God who had always been faithful. Even when the servant questioned the plan, Abraham pointed him back to God’s word and the assurance that God Himself would go before them. This is a powerful reminder that Jesus, the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise, goes before us in every situation, leading us even when we cannot see the outcome.
Obedience, then, is not about having all the details, but about trusting God enough to say yes, even when the way is hidden. Like Abraham’s servant, we are invited to accept the mission God sets before us—not out of compulsion, but out of willing faith. Each of us faces moments of uncertainty, crossroads where the next step is unclear. In those moments, God asks us to trust Him, to take the next step, and to surrender our plans for His promise. As we do, we can be confident that He is faithful, His word is true, and His purpose for our lives will be fulfilled.
Key Takeaways
- God’s Plan Begins with Uncertainty
God rarely gives us the full blueprint for our lives. Instead, He invites us to trust Him in the midst of uncertainty, taking one step at a time. Faith is forged not in knowing every detail, but in believing that God’s purpose is unfolding even when we cannot see it. Our willingness to move forward in faith, despite uncertainty, is often the very place where God’s plan becomes clear. [30:45]
- Faith Requires Action, Not Just Intention
True faith is not passive waiting, but active obedience. Abraham’s example shows that faith means stepping out, even when the outcome is unknown and the risks are real. Whether it’s applying for a new job, having a difficult conversation, or simply praying with intention, faith is demonstrated in the steps we take, not just the beliefs we hold. [38:20]
- Root Your Confidence in God’s Promise, Not Your Plan
Our plans may be wise and well-considered, but they are not the foundation of our hope. Abraham’s trust was anchored in God’s unchanging promise, not in the success of his own strategy. When our faith is rooted in God’s word and character, we can face setbacks and uncertainties with peace, knowing that His promises never fail. [45:09]
- Jesus Goes Before Us in Every Uncertainty
The same Jesus who went before Abraham’s servant goes before us today. He leads, guides, and prepares the way, even when we cannot see what lies ahead. Our confidence is not in our ability to control outcomes, but in the presence and faithfulness of Christ, who promises to be with us always and to make our paths straight as we trust Him. [48:57]
- Obedience is a Willing Choice, Not a Forced Duty
God does not coerce us into following Him; He invites us to trust and obey out of love and faith. Like Abraham’s servant, we are given the freedom to accept or decline the mission God sets before us. The fullness of God’s purpose is experienced when we choose to obey, even without all the answers, trusting that He is good and His plans are best. [52:58]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[21:06] - Opening Prayer and Worship Reflection
[26:25] - God’s Plan and Purpose for Your Life
[28:46] - Walking in God’s Purpose Daily
[29:57] - The Role of Uncertainty in God’s Plan
[31:35] - Facing Uncertainty in Our Lives
[33:41] - Abraham’s Uncertainty and Isaac’s Future
[36:01] - The Missing Piece: Isaac’s Unmarried State
[37:11] - Uncertainty Requires a Step of Faith
[40:09] - How to Take Faithful Steps
[42:05] - Covering the Process in Prayer
[43:00] - Faith Rooted in God’s Promise
[46:49] - Jesus Goes Before Us
[51:07] - The Security of God’s Promise
[52:58] - Obedience: A Willing Choice
[56:18] - Personal Testimony of Faith
[58:03] - Invitation to Take a Step of Faith
[01:00:42] - Corporate Prayer for Trust
[01:02:27] - Closing Worship and Giving
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Trusting God’s Plan in Uncertainty
*(Based on Genesis 24 and the sermon summary above)*
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### Bible Reading
Genesis 24:1-10 (ESV)
Now Abraham was old, well advanced in years. And the Lord had blessed Abraham in all things. And Abraham said to his servant, the oldest of his household, who had charge of all that he had, “Put your hand under my thigh, that I may make you swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and of the earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell, but will go to my country and to my kindred, and take a wife for my son Isaac.” The servant said to him, “Perhaps the woman may not be willing to follow me to this land. Must I then take your son back to the land from which you came?” Abraham said to him, “See to it that you do not take my son back there. The Lord, the God of heaven, who took me from my father’s house and from the land of my kindred, and who spoke to me and swore to me, ‘To your offspring I will give this land,’ he will send his angel before you, and you shall take a wife for my son from there. But if the woman is not willing to follow you, then you will be free from this oath of mine; only you must not take my son back there.” So the servant put his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master and swore to him concerning this matter. Then the servant took ten of his master’s camels and departed, taking all sorts of choice gifts from his master; and he arose and went to Mesopotamia to the city of Nahor.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Hebrews 11:8 (ESV)
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.
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### Observation Questions
1. What specific uncertainty was Abraham facing in Genesis 24, and how did he respond to it? ([34:41])
2. According to the passage, what instructions did Abraham give his servant, and what concerns did the servant raise? ([43:00])
3. In the sermon, what does the pastor say about the difference between faith and simply waiting for God to act? ([38:20])
4. How does Abraham root his confidence—not in his plan, but in God’s promise? ([45:09])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God often begins His plans in our lives with uncertainty rather than giving us the full picture? How does this shape our faith? ([30:45])
2. The servant had the freedom to accept or decline Abraham’s mission. What does this reveal about the nature of obedience in our relationship with God? ([52:58])
3. The sermon says, “Jesus goes before us in every uncertainty.” What does it mean for Jesus to “go before” us, and how might that change the way we approach unknown situations? ([48:57])
4. Abraham’s faith was rooted in God’s promise, not in the success of his own plan. How can believers today distinguish between trusting in their own strategies and trusting in God’s promises? ([45:09])
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### Application Questions
1. Think about a current area of uncertainty in your life (work, family, health, relationships, etc.). What would it look like for you to take a step of faith, even if you don’t have all the answers? ([58:40])
2. The sermon says, “Faith requires action, not just intention.” Is there a specific action you sense God prompting you to take, but you’ve been hesitant because the outcome isn’t clear? What’s holding you back? ([38:20])
3. Abraham’s servant covered the process in prayer and sought wisdom. When you face big decisions, do you tend to pray first, or try to figure things out on your own? What could you do differently this week? ([42:05])
4. The pastor shared a personal story about leaving a comfortable situation because of God’s nudge. Have you ever felt God leading you out of your comfort zone? What happened, or what might happen if you said yes? ([56:18])
5. The sermon reminds us that “obedience is a willing choice, not a forced duty.” Are there areas where you feel like you’re obeying God out of obligation rather than trust and love? How could your motivation change? ([52:58])
6. Proverbs 3:5-6 says not to lean on your own understanding. What is one area where you tend to rely on your own plans instead of trusting God? What would it look like to surrender that area to Him this week?
7. The pastor invited people to pray for courage to take the next step, even if they don’t know what it is yet. Would you be willing to pray that prayer this week? What might change if you did? ([01:00:42])
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*Close in prayer, asking God for faith to trust Him in uncertainty, courage to take the next step, and a heart that is willing to obey out of love and trust in His promises.*
Devotional
Day 1: God’s Plan and Purpose for Your Life
God has a unique plan and purpose for every person, not just for the future but for each day as you walk with Him. This purpose is not left to chance; rather, God has mapped out a path for you to follow, inviting you to step into it daily. Even when you cannot see the full picture, you can trust that God’s intentions for you are good and that He desires to guide you step by step. Embracing this truth means living each day with intention, knowing that your life is not random but divinely orchestrated. [26:25]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have been living as if it’s up to chance, and how can you invite God to show you His purpose in that area today?
Day 2: Faith Requires Action, Not Just Intention
Faith is not passive; it is an action word that calls you to move forward even when you don’t have all the details. Like Abraham, who sent his servant on a journey without knowing the outcome, you are called to take steps of faith—whether that means making a decision, starting a conversation, or simply praying and seeking God’s guidance. Faith is demonstrated not by waiting for every answer, but by trusting God enough to act, believing He will be true to His word. [38:20]
Hebrews 11:8 (ESV)
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.
Reflection: What is one step of faith you sense God prompting you to take, even though you don’t have all the answers yet?
Day 3: Faith Is Rooted in God’s Promise, Not Our Plan
True faith is anchored in the promises of God rather than in our own carefully crafted plans. Abraham’s confidence was not in the logistics of sending his servant, but in the unchanging promise God had given him. When you face uncertainty, it is easy to want every detail mapped out, but God invites you to trust in His faithfulness and character above your own understanding or strategies. His promises are secure, and He will fulfill what He has spoken over your life. [46:03]
Genesis 24:7 (ESV)
The Lord, the God of heaven, who took me from my father’s house and from the land of my kindred, and who spoke to me and swore to me, “To your offspring I will give this land,” he will send his angel before you, and you shall take a wife for my son from there.
Reflection: Where have you been relying more on your own plans than on God’s promises, and how can you shift your trust to Him today?
Day 4: Jesus Goes Before You in Every Uncertainty
You are never alone in the unknown; Jesus Himself goes before you, preparing the way and guiding your steps. Just as Abraham trusted that the “angel of the Lord” would go before his servant, you can trust that Christ is present in your journey, leading you even when the path is unclear. His presence assures you that your hope and faith are in good hands, and He will make your paths straight as you acknowledge Him in all your ways. [48:57]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Reflection: What is one area of uncertainty you are facing right now, and how can you intentionally acknowledge Jesus’ presence and leadership in that situation today?
Day 5: Obedience Without All the Details
God often calls you to obey before you have all the information, inviting you to trust Him enough to say “yes” even when the outcome is unclear. Like Abraham’s servant, you have a choice to accept the mission God sets before you, not out of compulsion but out of willing trust in His faithfulness. Obedience in faith means moving forward, even if you don’t know every step, believing that God’s promise is enough to sustain you. [55:25]
Genesis 24:9-10 (ESV)
So the servant put his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master and swore to him concerning this matter. Then the servant took ten of his master’s camels and departed, taking all sorts of choice gifts from his master; and he arose and went to Mesopotamia to the city of Nahor.
Reflection: Is there a step of obedience God is asking you to take today, even though you don’t see the full picture? What would it look like to say “yes” to Him right now?
Quotes
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