We Do Not Have to Fear Change and Uncertainty

 

When we know and trust the Lord, we don't have to fear change and uncertainty. Life is filled with change and uncertainty. Our careers, relationships, health, finances, and plans for the future can all shift unexpectedly. During times like these, it’s easy to feel afraid, anxious, and overwhelmed by the unknowns we face. 

Yet, as believers, we have a source of stability in the midst of unstable times. We serve a God who never changes and who promises to be with us no matter what storms we go through (Deuteronomy 31:6, Joshua 1:9). As Hebrews 13:8 (ESV) tells us, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, and forever.” When we know and trust the unchanging nature of God, we do not need to fear change and uncertainty.

Moses: An Example of Trusting God in Uncertainty 

In Hebrews 11, we find many examples of biblical heroes who faced major changes and unknowns in their lives yet persevered by faith. One example is Moses. The passage in Hebrews recounts:

By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king's edict. By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. (Hebrews 11:23–25, ESV).

Moses’ early life was filled with change. As a baby, his life was at risk due to an Egyptian edict to kill all newborn Hebrew boys (Exodus 1:15-16). In faith, his parents hid him for a time before placing him in a basket to float down the Nile River. There, he was discovered and adopted by an Egyptian princess. 

As Moses grew up in Pharaoh’s palace, his whole identity changed. The Hebrew baby raised by slaves became an Egyptian prince. But in young adulthood, Moses began to understand his true heritage. Hebrews says, “he refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter” (11:24). Though Moses seemingly had it all as royalty in Egypt, he chose to identify with the suffering Hebrew slaves—his original family. 

By aligning himself with the Israelites, Moses gave up the comforts of palace life. But his choice was motivated by faith in the one true God. Hebrews commends Moses for “choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin” (11:25). Moses was willing to face uncertainty and opposition once he understood who he was in God’s eyes. 

Trusting God to Lead Through the Unknown Wilderness 

Moses’ biggest test of faith would come years later when God called him from the burning bush to lead the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 3). By this point, Moses was 80 years old (Exodus 7:7). His earlier brashness had mellowed into hesitancy. Exodus highlights Moses’ insecurities, as he tried excuses such as, “Who am I?” (Exodus 3:11). He felt inadequate for God’s huge assignment. 

Yet Moses came to understand that it wasn’t about his abilities—it was about trusting God. Exodus 4:10-12 records the Lord's instructions to Moses: 

“‘Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent... but I am slow of speech and of tongue.’ Then the Lord said to him, ‘Who has made man's mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.’” 

Despite very real fears, Moses listened to God’s voice and embraced the calling to lead Israel into the unknown wilderness. Hebrews 11 affirms:

“By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them” (verses 27–28, ESV).

Though Moses had no experience dealing with Pharaoh or navigating large groups of people, he followed God’s lead step-by-step. His eyes were fixed on the “unseen” God directing his path, not the circumstances around him. And God proved faithful by bringing plagues on Egypt, instituting the first Passover, and parting the Red Sea so the Israelites could escape (Exodus 7-14). 

What We Can Learn from Moses’ Example

Thousands of years later, Moses’ story still encourages us to step forward in faith when life feels uncertain. Here are a few lessons we can take from his example:

1. Identity in Christ is our unshakable foundation. Before Moses could have the confidence to face the changes ahead, he had to know who he was at the core—an Israelite called by God. As Christians, we stand on the solid foundation of our identity in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:4-5).

2. God does not call the equipped. He equips the called. Moses initially felt unprepared, but God promised to equip him for the task. The same is true for us (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

3. God often calls us out of comfort into the unknown. Following God’s lead can feel uncomfortable at first. But taking courageous steps of faith leads to amazing things! (Joshua 3:34)

4. Fixing our eyes on the “unseen” allows us to walk through visible troubles. Hardships and opposition are very visible and real. But when we focus on the reality of God's presence and promises, we gain the courage to face difficulties (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

So, no matter what changes or unknowns we face in life, we can stand firm when we know and trust God. He makes this possible by giving us a firm identity in Christ, equipping us through Scripture and His Spirit, and calling us to take courageous steps of faith as we keep our eyes fixed on Him.

Let’s close with the apostle Paul’s charge that reminds us to be strong and courageous as we move forward in faith:

“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13, ESV).