Trusting God in the Unknown

Amanda Lawrence shares her priest’s prescription for what to do when life doesn’t make sense.

We’ve all been there, strolling the narrow path with big plans and bold aspirations, only to hit a stumbling block and have the rug ripped out from under us. Suddenly, we’re sinking into the abyss, drowning in an ocean of loneliness, decision fatigue, and financial instability while managing a million invisible tasks just to stay afloat.

And there lies the problem — at least for Peter and me. We’ve leapt from the boat, only to find ourselves frightened and flailing in the ocean, somehow forgetting God was keeping us afloat all along. We scream, “Lord, save me!” He does, of course. He swoops in, conquers evil, and soothes our fears.

If this sounds relatable to you, try not to worry too much. Easier said than done, I know. Meanwhile, I spent days praying with that scene from Matthew 14:22-33 after I got laid off last spring. At the moment, I couldn’t understand why God allowed it. Hadn’t I been doing everything right? Excelling? What would I do now? How would the bills get paid?

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An Objective Look at the Situation

Saltwater blurred my vision so hard I couldn’t be objective, but my priest could.

“Praise God! He liberated you,” he exclaimed. I knew he was right. For many years, I held a comfortable position in a dead-end job with zero advancement opportunities. Like a butterfly from a cocoon, I had to leave to grow. It’s almost funny how much relief followed that realization. I’ve been Catholic my whole life, and I rarely understand why things happen the way they do, but they always work out once I abandon everything at Jesus’ feet.

While I worried about the wind, God smiled, shook His head, and said, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Instead of ruminating, I switched gears and focused on praying, writing, and nurturing my body. I started church-hopping and pleaded for next steps. Everywhere I went, God said the same thing: “Wait.”

Naturally, I complained to my priest.

“Ah, so you’re waiting for something,” he said.

I pouted impatiently. “I suppose I’m in a season of waiting. But for how long?”

He shrugged. Since only God knows, my priest suggested a few activities to help pass the time.

Flailing in the Water Alongside Peter and Me? Here’s What to Do:

Attend daily Mass.

When the going gets tough, go to church. So many saints have sung the praises of regular Mass attendance, and I’m with them. It helps! Approach the foot of the cross and unite yourself with Jesus in the Eucharist. You won’t regret it.

Pray the Rosary.

The Most Holy Theotokos knows better than anyone how unpredictable life can be. Mary accepted God’s plan for her with love, trust, and humility, saying, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). The Rosary is her gift to us. When we pray with it, we invite Mary to intercede and help as only she can.

Grab your beads and ask Mary to pray for the strength and humility to do what God wants — whatever that may be. Bonus if you pray group Rosaries; I’m told those invite an abundance of grace!

Spend time in Adoration.

Make a date with Jesus in the monstrance to pour out your heart. He always has something to say, and when we sit still and listen, it’s usually exactly what we need to hear — even when it’s something simple, like “wait.” Plan a few visits to the nearest Adoration chapel and watch your anxiety slip away.

Go to Confession.

Consistent confession bears fruit on a personal and spiritual level. Sure, it can be uncomfortable at first. But knowing we’re forgiven and embracing God’s mercy makes it easier to offer mercy and forgiveness to others. Vulnerability with God in the confessional truly is a beautiful gift that extends to whomever He places in our paths.

If it’s been a while since your last confession, don’t fret! Read through an examination of conscience and spend some time humbly reflecting on it. Jot down your thoughts and bring them along. Tell Jesus you’re sorry and that you love Him. You’ll feel much better afterwards.

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As I practiced my priest’s prescription and grew comfortable structuring days around God and the sacraments, thoughts of returning to “normal” routines filled me with anxiety. Once again, submerged in the ocean, I thrashed. Immediately, the Son of God stretched out His hands, and before I could wail, “Depart from me, Lord, I’m way too sinful for this,” He calmed the waves. Again.

Regardless of how old we are, we’re still God’s beloved children. Sometimes the dark abyss is exactly where He needs us to be for spiritual and personal growth. If you’re there now, trust that God is right there with you, preparing you for whatever comes next. Trust that path leads to magnificent opportunities you might never have had otherwise.

Pray, hope, and try not to worry, future saints!

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Trusting God in the Unknown

An Objective Look at the Situation