UNCERTAINTY. It’s a prevailing reality in our minds these days. Often when we face personal uncertainties, it’s a private issue. But we’re not alone in this pandemic state of mind. All of us have been touched in one way or another by imaginations of the unknown. We clearly understand how it can fuel anxiety and we don’t like that! Rather we’d like to know what’s reasonable to expect, prepare according to what’s predictable, and arrange our life pieces in such a way that we’re fortified for the next step. Safe. Ready. In control a bit. But uncertainty doesn’t let us do that. It leaves us feeling vulnerable.
Single moms, I must be honest. I have had you in my heart and mind SO MUCH lately! You’ve asked, “How can I work my job and homeschool kids? How am I supposed to find extra childcare for my son when I can barely pay the rent? How can I stop worrying?”
I wish I could wave a heartfelt wand over your situation and all the unresolved issues would go away. But of course, I can’t; however, I can share a timely truth from God’s Word that I KNOW works when we’re trying to keep our eyes on his promises and our thoughts out of the ditch. It’s a fight (I know), but it works.
The apostle Paul actually spelled out this truth in the book of Philippians when he instructed that stability in turbulent times is largely based on what we think. So here’s a personal check up from the neck up (and by the way, I just took it myself!). Ask yourself:
- Where are my thoughts drifting concerning the daunting problems I face?
- What threatening uncertainties appear front and center in my mind?
- What fearful unknowns am I replaying over and over?
As I took this test and considered the fruitless results of dwelling on the UNCERTAINTIES, I thought, why not focus on the CERTAINTIES? Why not marinate my mind in God’s truths and what I know to be truth?
So I made my own personal list of God CERTAINTIES. After my exercise, I determined this: Though my circumstances may not change, my perspectives will if I renew my mind with what’s true. But guess what? That’s not all I did. I made you a list of CERTAINTIES, too. I somehow believe after you digest it, you’ll feel God’s peace in a fresh new way like I did.
Single Mom CERTAINITES
I am CERTAIN that God loves me and sees what concerns me the most.
I am CERTAIN that God is working behind the scenes and will not leave me to fend for myself.
I am CERTAIN that God is fully aware of my needs and will provide.
I am CERTAIN that when I lean into God, he will guide my steps.
I am CERTAIN that God loves my children more than I do and hears my prayers.
I am CERTAIN that I have all I need for whatever I face tomorrow.
I am CERTAIN, I am CERTAIN, I am CERTAIN that everything I’m enduring is under God’s control and there’s nothing under his control that is out of control.
So press on, single mom. You are not alone. God is with you, for you, in you. This awesome God will grant you insight and power to do what is needed.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. —Joshua 1:9
About Pam Kanaly
Aloha! I’m Pam Kanaly, President and co-founder of Arise Ministries. But actually, I think Arise found me wanting to bless single moms years ago. Ministry was never on my mind as a kid. All I wanted to be was a hula dancer. So Mother enrolled me in the tiny tots’ class. Guess God knew I’d have two grandbabies born in Hawaii. I love the great outdoors. You might even find me spending time with my husband grizzly bear watching or camping. In fact, it was on a turkey hunt that God gave me the name Arise Ministries in 2002. I suppose it’s a good thing that I majored in Grammar in college since I love to write words of encouragement to single moms.