Praying Through the Fog

When I was young girl, I got lost in a dense fog that quickly dropped down on a beach where my family was vacationing. I was nowhere to be found. I’m told my parents were very worried until a man involved in the search, found me sitting peacefully on a rock. Although I was unaware of the specific dangers around me, I had the sense not to go in a direction I was unsure of.

This reminds me of our prayer lives. There are times when we seem to be in a fog. We can’t see anything in front or behind us. We have no idea what we should or should not do; what steps we should or should not take.

These times can bring fear and concern.

What do we do?  How do we pray?

Too often we don’t. Confused and frustrated by uncertainty, many stop praying. This is not the answer.

Let me suggest that during these foggy times of uncertainty you take a few simple steps.

First of all, widen your view. Rather than look at the situation close up, step back and see it through a wide lens.

You might not know specifically how to pray, so pray general biblical principles. There are dozens of biblical principles that relate to every situation we face. Discover them. Focus on them. Then allow them to guide you in how to pray. Here are just a few:

• “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” Phil. 2:13 (God is working to help you both to do and want to do his planned purpose in your life.)
• ^“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 (God will use this confusing time for good.)
• “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:19 (He will meet your needs during this time.)
• “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him,
  and he will make your paths straight.” Prov. 3:5-6 (Trust in God to guide you, not your limited understanding.)

This does take faith. It takes faith to trust that God will lead in his time and in his way.

Are you confident in knowing that although you may be limited in what you see God is not? Can you be at peace knowing he is in control?

Keep in mind that during these times, Satan will work to bring discouragement and fear in your life. So pray for God’s grace that you will walk by faith and not by sight. Pray that you will not doubt God’s working power.

Then as the fog starts to lift, begin to pray specifically as you see more clearly the way God is leading you.

Times of testing will come and sometimes these times will involve not knowing what to do or where to go. Will you trust him?

Is our creator God greater than the fog? Is he able to lead?

What if you prayed in faith during these times?

What if you trusted God to work in these difficult times for his glory and your blessing?

When uncertain times come, allow God to use them for good.

You might not see clearly the way to go but God does. Trust him to guide.