THE GIFT OF UNCERTAINTY
The scene is the beginning of the children’s movie Frozen 2. Elsa receives a siren call from beyond. The angst provoking melody pulls you in as she belts out the song “Into the Unknown”…
I can hear you, but I won’t
Some look for trouble
While others don’t
There’s a thousand reasons
I should go about my day
And ignore your whispers
Which I wish would go away
I’m sorry, secret siren, but I’m blocking out your calls
I’ve had my adventure, I don’t need something new
I’m afraid of what I’m risking if I follow you
Where are you going?
Don’t leave me alone
How do I follow you
Into the unknown?
As Christians, we are called into the unknown. To give up everything and follow Jesus. How do we go about spreading Jesus’ love? Will we feel a sting of rejection? Will we fail or flop on our faces? Will we get hurt? Will we get lost in the woods like Kristoff in the Frozen movie?
Uncertainty causes us fear, angst, and queasy anxiety. The beautiful thing is that when we turn it all over to God and the Holy Spirit, we can relish in their comfort. The Bible assures us God will never leave or forsake us. In Sundays4kids we have talked about courage recently, and about how it is possible to feel two things at the same time. Uncertainty and fear give us a chance to feel brave.
We must understand that if we avoid the call, we will most certainly miss out on a wonderful opportunity. Embracing uncertainty as a tool for building resilience is key to dampening the anxiety. Having faith that God will always be there gives us the strength we need. God has us. And that is enough.
Prayer: God in Heaven, guide us through the Dark Woods with your warm embrace. Holy Spirit, comfort us while we sit with uncertainty and allow us to experience your most deep and profound omnipotence and love. Amen
Lois Montague and Shea Pribyl