Lost on Life’s Desert Highway? A Guide to Walking Through Uncertainty
- Cindy
- May 29
- 4 min read
Walking Through Times of Uncertainty
There is almost nothing worse than not being able to clearly see where we are headed. Whether it be a relationship, job, family, illness, job loss, or a change in life seasons—the list goes on and on.
When these things happen, it can be very easy to focus our thoughts on the overwhelming unknown. This may cause us to:
Make quick decisions that may not be good for us long-term.
Become stuck and avoid making any decision at all.
Resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms because we lack the knowledge or guidance to manage and share our emotions.
Live in denial and expect others to solve our problems for us.
My Journey Through Uncertainty
There is no doubt that uncertainty is hard. I've experienced it many times in life, most recently after a sudden change in employment and a transition into a new life season.
Nearing my 60s, many questions filled my mind:
What has my life been?
What choices should I make going forward?
Do I continue working full-time, or is part-time a better balance?
Are there enough funds saved to retire now?
Should I keep working until society’s ‘time to slow down’ feels more aligned?
At 57/58, I began pondering deeper:
What is my purpose?
Is it time to change and shift gears?
Do I really want to work until 67 and risk missing out on balance, health, and the adventures on my bucket list?
How can I intentionally spend more time with my family and friends?
All these swirling thoughts left me stuck. I knew what I wanted, but the fear of letting go of the life I had been leading was overwhelmingly strong. I've always had a strong faith in God, but I began questioning just how strong it really was. Instead of making an immediate change, I explored learning opportunities that would prepare me for a potential part-time gig working from home. I also felt called to serve more through volunteer work at my place of worship, so I pursued extra learning in both areas—and I loved it! However, I started feeling spread too thin and once again considered: Is it time to go part-time to pursue what I feel God is calling me to?
The Moment of Surrender
I reached a point of deep lament, admitting to God that I was exhausted from pushing, driving, and striving for the next thing. I spent months walking my dogs, praying for Him to guide me, lead me, and place me where I needed to be.
One night, lying in bed, I cried out: “Lord, I am so tired. If it be Your will, lift this heaviness from my life and help me be willing to follow Your plan.”
After saying that prayer, HUGE changes began:
God did for me what I couldn’t do for myself.
He humbled me into surrender.
He changed my job situation, giving me the rest I prayed for.
He provided financially, showing me that responsible saving had kept us from hardship.
God's Perfect Timing
Yet, God didn’t stop there. In His impeccable timing, He helped me step back into the workforce part-time. Even though I kept pursuing full-time work, doors didn’t open, so I explored part-time options.
God revealed how much I needed human connection—pulling me out of my post-COVID work-from-home rut. Now, I stand in a space where:
I finished my life coaching training and certification, working with individuals in a small entrepreneurial effort. My heart to help others came to fruition.
I completed a 16-month journey to become a lay biblical counselor for my church. My heart to help others came to fruition.
I began a part-time job in direct, hands-on health care—and so far, I absolutely love it. My heart to help others came to fruition.
I've had more time with family.
I'm even writing a book that I've always wanted to write.
Looking back, I see God’s perfect hand at work in all of this, and my wilderness highway is slowly coming together. What a pattern of things that allow me to help others. Now I'm praying for God to show me the balance in this, so I still have the time I desire to spend more quality time with my family. The last thing I desire is to become exhausted again, so I am praying for a discerning heart and His will in all that I do, even if it means letting go of something again.
I still am not 100% certain of where this path is leading, but a path has been opened and living in the unknown taught me:
To trust in HIS plan
To be patient
To be okay with not knowing
To surrender
To be humbled
To be willing to move forward—even when I wasn’t sure it was the right thing to do
My Biggest Learning
Trust that He has it all in His hands and REALLY let go.
Pray for His will in life.
Be willing to follow His will.
Be discerning—He never asks us to proceed with anything that contradicts His word.
Today, I feel more at peace. I know there will always be ups and downs, but after walking through this valley, I've grown in my faith and realize God’s timing can be surprising. Sometimes, when we think we have to wait, His mighty hand can pull the rug right out from under us and change things in an instant.
An Invitation to Walk Together
I hope that sharing my story helps you in some way walk through your own wilderness. The key is walking one step at a time and focusing on the next right thing you can choose to do.
If you would like a little help navigating an unknown path, I am always available to listen and walk through the haze with you. I've been there—maybe not in the exact way, but in a relatable way.
If you'd like a conversation or to stay connected:
Book a no-cost discovery session below.
Subscribe to my blog—I’ll continue sharing life lessons and other tidbits.
Lastly if this resonated with you, share it with others and encourage them to read it.
Grace to you,
Cindy
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