Trusting God amidst uncertainty

As Loma Linda University Health employees, we face various challenges that test our stability and predictability. Whether we are support staff, instructors, or clinical staff, we all encounter experiences that can disrupt our equilibrium, certainty, and faith. Although we can plan and prepare for some situations, unexpected events can permanently destroy our plans. These can include losing business partners, reallocating funds, personnel issues, and personal matters such as conflicts, illness, and death. To tackle these uncertainties, we have discussed ways to cope with them in our weekly devotionals. 

Despite our difficulties, we can continue to find strength in our faith. In his letter to the Jesus community in Rome, the apostle Paul reminded his readers that Jesus is the centerpiece of God’s new covenant family. “For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved” (Rom. 10:10). It is by faith that they accept Jesus as the Bread of Life (John 6:35), the Good Shepherd (John 10:11), and Emmanuel — God with us (Matt 1:23). These aspects of Jesus’ character can give also give us the courage to trust and continue to trust in God during difficult times. 

When we experience the unsettling and unexpected, we can let our present circumstances overshadow how we have experienced God in the past. Or we can acknowledge the despair, anxiety, frustration, and fear and trust that God is with us. The psalmist states that when his soul is in despair, he will wait on the presence of God (Psalm 42:5, 11). What we are encouraged to do is believe. We are also encouraged to profess what God has done. Can you recall times when you experienced God’s presence or power? Do you remember when a prayer was answered? Or maybe you encountered people who became emissaries of God’s care and love when you least expected it. When we recognize and talk about what God has done, we can experience comfort, strength, and perhaps even healing.  

As we navigate the complexities of health care delivery, health science education, and research in our six hospitals, clinics, labs, and classrooms, we can face the in-between by faith. We should not pretend that hardship doesn’t exist, but we should remember when God has been present in our lives. We can find comfort and strength by recalling these moments and speaking about them with others. By doing this, we can also help others see that God’s care and love are present in their lives. 

—Dilys Brooks, PhD, BCC, is campus chaplain for Loma Linda University.