Faith Over Fear: Trusting God through the fog

Introduction (4 minutes)

Opening Greeting

Good morning, It’s a honor to be with you this morning. One of the things I like to do when preaching at a church for the first time is look at live streams or videos if possible to get a feel for the culture of the church. When I did that for this church I realized that last week was youth Sunday for you. I've spent the last 2.5 years serving as a Family Pastor down the road in Rock Hill and let me tell you I love watching kids and teenagers getting involved in the church. With that being said, Let’s dive into God’s Word together as we explore what it means to trust Him, especially when life feels uncertain.

Hook: A Personal Story of Uncertainty

In November to 2021 my wife and I got some news that no parent wants to hear. Cheslea was pregnant with our second child and we were so excited. But when Cheslea went in for the anatomy scan the day after we announced the pregnancy the ultrasound tech found something that would change our lives forever. We found out that day that the second child we were so excited about was going to be special needs. We were devistated. I remember crying in my car for weeks at work because I had no idea what we were about to go through. You see I grew up around people with Special Needs. Growing up my mom worked as a residential manager at an ARC (An organization that offers residence and programs for those with special needs). But i remember that while I loved the interactions I had with them, I was always afraid That I may have a special needs child. SO when we got this news my wife and I were devistated. Probably me even more so. One of my worst fears was about to become a reality. What was ahead for us was nothing but uncertainty.

Connection to the Theme

Uncertainty is part of life, isn’t it? We all face moments when the path ahead feels foggy. Yet, God’s Word offers us a promise: faith can overcome fear. Today, we’ll unpack Proverbs 3:5-6, a passage that calls us to trust God with all our hearts. By the end, my hope is that each of us will take a step toward trusting God more deeply, together becoming a church that shines hope in our community.

Scripture Reading

Let’s read our anchor text, Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Let’s pray. [Brief prayer for guidance and open hearts.]

1. Me: A Moment of Uncertainty (6 minutes)

Expanding the Personal Story

That day in November the doctor found a cyst on Judah’s cerebellum a condition known as Dandy-Walker Syndrome. The cerebellum is a small part of the brain between the brain stem and main part of the brain called the cerebrum. This part of the brain is responsible for things like fine motor skills, balance, walking, posture and also plays a large part in things like attention and language. That finding led to a slew of different tests and specialists. We found that Judah not only had the cyst on his cerebellum but also had a chromosonal deletion that came with its own issues. He would spend the first month of his life in the NICU only being able to come home after having a G-tube placed because his coordination effects his ability to be able to eat and swallow. What followed was a myriad of Dr appointments where new findings and compounding issues have led to 3 brain surgeries and a future heart surgery in a couple years. Through all of this there has been great uncertainty uncertainty about where the surgeries were going to fix some of the issues. and uncertainty about what the future holds for him. How functional will he be? will he walk? Will he talk? We don’t know what the future holds for him.

Why Share This?

I share this because vulnerability builds trust. If I’ve faced uncertainty and seen God’s faithfulness, it’s a reminder that He’s faithful for you too. My story isn’t unique—it’s human. And God meets us in our human moments.

Transition

But it’s not just me. We all have stories of uncertainty, don’t we? Let’s talk about that.

2. We: Shared Anxieties (6 minutes)

Acknowledging Common Fears

Take a moment and think: What’s one thing keeping you up at night? Maybe it’s finances—bills piling up faster than your paycheck. Maybe it’s health—a diagnosis that’s left you reeling or a loved one’s struggle. Maybe it’s the future: a job change, a move, or just the state of the world. Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt uncertain about something. [Pause, smile.] Look around—we’re in good company!

Illustration: The Fog of Uncertainty

Uncertainty is like driving through thick fog. You can’t see the road ahead, and every turn feels risky. Our instinct is to grip the wheel tighter, to rely on our own instincts. But here’s the truth: we’re not meant to navigate the fog alone. God sees the road clearly, even when we can’t.

Connecting to the Congregation

As believers, we’re a family, and families share their burdens. Some of you are facing uncertainties I can’t imagine—maybe a strained relationship, a dream that feels out of reach, or a decision that weighs heavy. You’re not alone. These moments of fear and doubt are part of our shared journey. But here’s the good news: God’s Word gives us a way forward.

Transition

Proverbs 3:5-6 isn’t just a nice verse to stitch on a pillow—it’s a lifeline. Let’s see what God says about trusting Him in the fog.

3. God: Teaching Proverbs 3:5-6 (12 minutes)

Unpacking the Scripture

Let’s break down Proverbs 3:5-6. The first command is clear: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart.” Notice that word “all.” Not half your heart, not just when it’s easy—all of it. Trust is total surrender, like a child holding a parent’s hand, confident they won’t let go.

The second part says, “Do not lean on your own understanding.” Our understanding is limited. We see the fog; God sees the destination. Leaning on our own logic is like trusting a faulty GPS—it might feel right, but it can lead us off a cliff.

Then, “In all your ways acknowledge him.” This means inviting God into every decision, every worry, every moment. It’s not just praying on Sunday but seeking Him Monday through Saturday too.

Finally, the promise: “He will make straight your paths.” This doesn’t mean life will be easy or free of curves. It means God will guide us to where He wants us to be, aligning our steps with His purpose.

Biblical Example: Abraham’s Faith

Think of Abraham in Genesis 12. God called him to leave his home, his security, everything familiar, and go to a land “I will show you.” No map, no details—just a promise. Abraham faced uncertainty bigger than most of us will ever know, yet he trusted God. And God was faithful, making Abraham the father of nations.

Another Example: David and Goliath

Or consider David facing Goliath. A teenage shepherd against a giant warrior? The odds were laughable. But David didn’t lean on his own understanding. He trusted God, saying, “The Lord who delivered me from the lion and the bear will deliver me from this Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:37). And God made his path straight—straight through a slingshot and a stone.

Application to Today

What do Abraham and David teach us? God is trustworthy, even when the path is unclear. Proverbs 3:5-6 isn’t just ancient wisdom; it’s a call to anchor our faith in God’s character. He’s the God who sees, who provides, who guides.

Illustration: The Trust Fall

Trusting God is like a trust fall—you know, that team-building exercise where you fall backward, hoping someone catches you. It’s scary because you can’t see the person behind you. But God’s arms are stronger than any human’s. He’s never dropped anyone who trusted Him fully.

Transition

So, that’s God’s promise. But what does it look like for you to trust Him today? Let’s get practical.

4. You: Surrendering a Specific Worry (8 minutes)

Personal Challenge

Here’s my challenge to you: Name one fear, one uncertainty, and surrender it to God. Right now, in your heart, think of that thing weighing you down. Maybe it’s a financial struggle, wondering how you’ll make ends meet. Maybe it’s a health concern, waiting for test results or praying for a loved one. Maybe it’s a decision—about a job, a move, or a relationship—that keeps you up at night. Got it? Hold that fear in your mind. Now, I want you to pray this simple prayer, silently or out loud: “God, I trust You with this.”

Why This Matters

This act of naming and surrendering isn’t just a mental exercise—it’s a step of faith. When we name our fear, we take it out of the shadows and bring it into God’s light. When we say, “God, I trust You,” we’re choosing to lean on His understanding, not ours. Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart.” That means giving Him the parts that scare us most.

Illustration: The Backpack of Worry

Imagine carrying a heavy backpack filled with rocks. Each rock is a worry—bills, health, the future. The longer you carry it, the more it wears you down. Surrendering to God is like taking off that backpack and handing it to Him. Does it mean the problems disappear? Not always. But it means you’re no longer carrying the weight alone. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Trusting God lightens the load.

Practical Steps

So, how do you do this beyond today? First, make it a habit to name your fears in prayer. Write them down if it helps—journaling can be a powerful way to see God’s faithfulness over time. Second, replace worry with God’s truth. When fear creeps in, quote Proverbs 3:5-6 or another promise like Isaiah 41:10: “Do not fear, for I am with you.” Finally, talk to someone. Share your fear with a trusted friend or pastor. There’s power in community, and this church is a family that can lift you up.

Encouragement

I know it’s hard to let go. Trusting God feels risky, like stepping into the unknown. But every step you take builds stronger faith. Start small. Surrender one fear today, and watch how God meets you there. He’s not asking for perfect faith—just willing faith.

Transition

This challenge isn’t just for you as individuals. Imagine what happens when we all trust God together. Let’s dream about what this church can become.

5. We: A Faith-Filled Community (8 minutes)

Vision for the Church

Picture this: a church where every person is learning to trust God with their fears. A community where, instead of being paralyzed by uncertainty, we lean on God’s promises and lift each other up. What would that look like? I see a church that’s a beacon of hope in this city—a place where people walk through those doors carrying heavy backpacks of worry and leave feeling lighter because they’ve met Jesus.

Why This Matters

We live in a world full of fear. Turn on the news, scroll through social media—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But as God’s people, we’re called to be different. Jesus said in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” When we trust God together, we become a living testimony of that victory. Your faith inspires the person next to you. Their faith strengthens you. Together, we shine.

Practical Ways to Build This

How do we get there? First, encourage one another. If someone shares a worry, don’t just say, “It’ll be fine.” Pray with them. Point them to God’s Word. Second, create spaces to grow in faith. Join a small group, a prayer team, or a Bible study. These are places where trust is built, where you can say, “I’m struggling,” and hear, “Let’s trust God together.” Third, serve your community. When we step out to help others—feeding the hungry, comforting the hurting—we see God’s faithfulness in action, and our own fears shrink.

Illustration: The Lighthouse

Think of this church as a lighthouse. A lighthouse doesn’t stop the storm, but it guides ships safely through it. When we trust God as a community, we become that lighthouse for our neighbors. The family struggling to pay rent? They see your generosity and glimpse God’s love. The teenager wrestling with anxiety? They hear your testimony and find hope. Your collective faith can light up this city.

Call to Unity

Today, as I stand here as a guest, I’m inspired by your potential. You don’t need to know me to know this: God has big plans for this church. He’s calling you to be a people who trust Him, not just in the easy times but in the fog, in the unknown. Will you commit to that? Will you say, “We’re going to trust God together”?

Transition

Let’s bring this home with a moment to respond and a prayer to seal our commitment.

Conclusion (4 minutes)

Recap and Invitation

We’ve journeyed through Proverbs 3:5-6 today, learning what it means to trust God in uncertain times. We’ve seen that faith overcomes fear—whether it’s my fear of stepping into a new role, your shared anxieties about life’s unknowns, or the biblical examples of Abraham and David. God calls us to trust Him with all our hearts, to surrender our worries, and to become a community that shines hope.

Final Challenge

So, here’s what I’m asking you to do. Right now, think of that one fear you named earlier. Picture yourself handing it to God, like taking off TON that heavy backpack. Say in your heart, “God, I trust You with this.” And as you leave today, don’t stop there. Keep trusting. Keep praying. Keep encouraging each other.

Closing Illustration: The Straight Path

Proverbs 3:6 promises that God will make your paths straight. That doesn’t mean the road will be smooth, but it means He’ll guide you through every twist and turn. I heard a story once about a hiker lost in the mountains. He was terrified until he found a trail marker—just a small sign, but it showed him the way home. God’s Word is your trail marker. Trust Him, and He’ll lead you home.

Prayer

Let’s pray.

Heavenly Father, we come before You with our fears, our uncertainties, our unknowns. Thank You for the promise of Proverbs 3:5-6—that when we trust You with all our hearts, You make our paths straight. Help us surrender our worries to You today. Give us courage to take steps of faith, to lean on Your understanding, not ours. And as a church, make us a lighthouse of hope, shining Your love in this community. We trust You, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Benediction

As you go, may you trust in the Lord with all your heart. May His peace guide you through the fog, and may your faith overcome fear. God bless you, and go be a light!