Finding Confidence in God's Unfolding Plan in Uncertainty
Confidence in God's unfolding plan amidst uncertainty is rooted in the biblical concept of faith and assurance. The author of Hebrews defines faith as "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see" [3]. This assurance, or pistis in Greek, is a pledge from God that his revelation is true and worthy of acceptance [1].
Biblical texts emphasize that this confidence is not a mere feeling but a conviction grounded in God's character and promises. For instance, the resurrection of Jesus is presented as God's assurance that his word is true [1]. The "full assurance of faith" (Hebrews 10:22) implies a complete faith in God that leaves no room for doubt, while the "full assurance of understanding" (Colossians 2:2) signifies an unwavering conviction in the truth of Scripture [1]. This steadfastness is a characteristic of saints, secured by God's power, presence, and their trust in Him [7].
The development of this confidence is often linked to the work of the Holy Spirit and is obtained through grace [5]. It is produced by faith, made full by hope, and confirmed by love [6]. Believers are encouraged to ask God for wisdom in faith, "nothing wavering," with the persuasion that God can and will give [10, 11]. Doubting is seen as a lack of faith, and "whatever is not of faith is sin" (Romans 14:23) [2].
Even when circumstances are difficult, believers are called to maintain hope. The psalmist expresses confidence in the Lord's presence, recognizing that while life may not always be pleasant, the future of the godly is secure [8]. This hope is described as good, lively, sure, steadfast, and gladdening [5]. John Gill notes that the presence of God, particularly Christ "in the midst of" his people, provides encouragement and acts as an "antidote against those fears and faintings they are subject to" [9]. This confidence allows believers to "enter God’s presence with boldness and confidence" through faith in Christ [4].
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Assurance — The resurrection of Jesus (Acts 17:31) is the "assurance" (Gr. pistis, generally rendered "faith") or pledge God has given that his revelation is true and worthy of acceptance. The "full assurance [Gr. plerophoria, full bearing'] of faith" (Heb. 10:22) is a fulness of faith in God which leaves no room for doubt. The "full assurance of understanding" (Col. 2:2) is an entire unwavering conviction of the truth of the declarations of Scripture, a joyful steadfastness on the part of any one of conviction that he has grasped the very truth. The "full assurance ”
- Romans “But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because it isn’t of faith; and whatever is not of faith is sin. Now to him who is able to establish you according to my Good News and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret through long ages, but now is revealed, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, is made known for obedience of faith to all the nations; to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen. -- Romans 14:23”
- Hebrews “Hebrews 11:1 (BSB) — Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see.”
- Ephesians “Ephesians 3:12 (BSB) — In Him and through faith in Him we may enter God’s presence with boldness and confidence.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Hope — In God -- Ps 39:7; 1Pe 1:21. In Christ -- 1Co 15:19; 1Ti 1:1. In God's promises -- Ac 26:6,7; Tit 1:2. In the mercy of God -- Ps 33:18. Is the work of the Holy Spirit -- Ro 15:13; Ga 5:5. Obtained through Grace. -- 2Th 2:16. The word. -- Ps 119:81. Patience and comfort of the Scriptures. -- Ro 15:4. The gospel. -- Col 1:5,23. Faith. -- Ro 5:1,2; Ga 5:5. The result of experience -- Ro 5:4. A better hope brought in by Christ -- Heb 7:19. Described as Good. -- 2Th 2:16. Lively. -- 1Pe 1:3. Sure and steadfast. -- Heb 6:19. Gladdening. -- Pr 10:28. Blessed. -- Tit ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Assurance — Produced by faith -- Eph 3:12; 2Ti 1:12; Heb 10:22. Made full by hope -- Heb 6:11,19. Confirmed by love -- 1Jo 3:14,19; 4:18. Is the effect of righteousness -- Isa 32:17. Is abundant in the understanding of the gospel -- Col 2:2; 1Th 1:5. Saints privileged to have, of Their election. -- Ps 4:3; 1Th 1:4. Their redemption. -- Job 19:25. Their adoption. -- Ro 8:16; 1Jo 3:2. Their salvation. -- Isa 12:2. Eternal life. -- 1Jo 5:13. The unalienable love of God. -- Ro 8:38,39. Union with God and Christ. -- 1Co 6:15; 2Co 13:5; Eph 5:30; 1Jo 2:5; 4:13. Peace with ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Steadfastness — Exhibited by God in all his purposes and ways -- Nu 23:19; Da 6:26; Jas 1:17. Commanded -- Php 4:1; 2Th 2:15; Jas 1:6-8. Godliness necessary to -- Job 11:13-15. Secured by The power of God. -- Ps 55:22; 62:2; 1Pe 1:5; Jude 1:24. The presence of God. -- Ps 16:8. Trust in God. -- Ps 26:1. The intercession of Christ. -- Lu 22:31,32. A characteristic of saints -- Job 17:9; Joh 8:31. Should be manifested In cleaving to God. -- De 10:20; Ac 11:23. In the work of the Lord. -- 1Co 15:58. In continuing in the Apostles' doctrine. -- Ac 2:42. In holding fast our”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 27:13: 27:13-14 The psalmist expresses confidence and hope in the Lord’s presence. To live in faith means to wait patiently in recognition of the Lord’s goodness. Such a life is not always pleasant for the godly (42:2-3; 43:5), but their future is secure (37:9; 130:7; see 9:18).”
- Zephaniah (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Zephaniah 3:17: The Lord thy God in the midst of thee [is] mighty Every word carries in it something very encouraging to the church and people of God; and is an antidote against those fears and faintings they are subject to; Christ "is in the midst of" them; near at hand to support and supply them, to assist and strengthen them, to protect and defend them; he is not only near by his essential presence, which is everywhere; and by his providential presence, which is concerned with all his creatures; but by his gracious presence, peculiar to his church and people; and which gives th”
- James (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on James 1:6: But let him ask in faith,.... Not only in the faith of the divine Being that God is; but in the faith of the promises he has made; and in the faith of his power and faithfulness to perform them; and in the faith of this, that whatever is asked, according to the will of God, and is for his glory, and his people's good, shall be given. Nothing wavering; about the thing asked for, whether it is right or no to ask for it; for that should be settled before it is asked for; nor about the power of God to do it; nor about his will, in things he has declared he will do; nor ab”
- James (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on James 1:6: ask in faith--that is, the persuasion that God can and will give. James begins and ends with faith. In the middle of the Epistle he removes the hindrances to faith and shows its true character [BENGEL]. wavering--between belief and unbelief. Compare the case of the Israelites, who seemed to partly believe in God's power, but leaned more to unbelief by "limiting" it. On the other hand, compare Act 10:20; Rom 4:20 ("staggered not . . . through unbelief," literally, as here, "wavered not"); Ti1 2:8. like a wave of the sea-- Isa 57:20; Eph 4:14, where th”