Planning in Uncertainty: Wrestling with God in the Unknown

I’m in the middle of planning right now. There’s momentum, excitement, and a lot of hard work going into what’s next. But if I’m honest, I’m also perplexed—there’s so much I don’t know, can’t explain, and definitely can’t predict. It feels like no matter how much I pray, think, or plan, I still face unanswered questions.

And here’s the big one I keep coming back to: If I’m giving my all and doing this wholeheartedly for God, why doesn’t He just tell me what’s going to happen? Why not guarantee success so I can stop worrying and wondering?

 It’s frustrating, but as I sit with this, I’m reminded of a moment in Job 38–39. God speaks directly to Job—not with answers to his specific questions but with reminders of who He is. He points to the foundations of the earth, the boundaries of the seas, the pathways of light, and the care He gives even to wild animals. God doesn’t offer Job certainty, but He does reveal something even more valuable: His character.

Here’s what I’m learning as I wrestle with this tension.

1. God Sees What I Can’t

In Job 38, God asks Job, “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?” It’s not a dismissal—it’s a reminder that God sees the bigger picture. While I’m focused on my immediate plans and outcomes, He’s working on something far greater than I can imagine.

This doesn’t always make me feel better in the moment, but it does give me a choice: Will I trust Him, even when I don’t understand?

So, I keep planning, knowing that my best ideas are only part of the story. I ask for wisdom, do my homework, and take the next step, trusting that God will establish my steps even if I don’t see the full path.

2. God’s Silence Isn’t Rejection

It’s tempting to think that if God isn’t giving me the roadmap, I must have missed something. But Job shows me that God’s silence doesn’t mean He’s absent or uninterested. In fact, His silence is often an invitation to lean in closer—to walk by faith, not by sight.

I’m learning that my relationship with God isn’t about guarantees; it’s about dependence. He’s not looking for perfect plans. He’s looking for my trust.

When I feel stuck, I remind myself that God’s plans for me are good (Jeremiah 29:11), even if they don’t always make sense in the moment. 

3. Faith Is More Important Than Certainty

In Job 39, God describes how He cares for wild animals—providing for them, guiding their instincts, and ensuring their survival. It’s a humbling reminder that if He cares that much about the raven, how much more does He care about me and the work I’m doing for His glory?

But here’s the thing: He doesn’t give the raven a five-year plan. He gives it what it needs for today.

That’s the part I’m wrestling with right now. I want clarity and certainty, but what God is asking for is faith. To trust Him with what I don’t know, to steward well what I do, and to take the next step, even if I can’t see ten steps ahead.

What I’m Holding Onto

Here’s where I’ve landed today. God never promised me a life without questions, but He did promise to be with me in the middle of them. He’s not withholding answers to frustrate me—He’s teaching me to depend on Him, to keep moving, and to trust that His plans are better than mine.

So, I’m choosing to keep going. I’m planning, praying, and working hard. But I’m also surrendering the outcomes, reminding myself that the God who laid the earth’s foundation is the same God who sees me, loves me, and is guiding me—even when I don’t have all the answers.

If you’re in a similar place—planning, perplexed, and maybe even a little frustrated—I get it. Let’s keep walking this out together. We don’t have to have it all figured out, but we do have a God who does. That’s enough for today.

Next Steps:

1. Don’t walk alone. If this resonated with you join us as part of the growing global community online or meet us in person at an upcoming event.

2. Let us know what has been most helpful for you in your growth for last year and what would be most helpful for you in the coming year. Email [email protected]