The Certainty of Uncertain Times - Encouragement Café - March 26

The Certainty of Uncertain Times
By Linda Gray

I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. John 16:33 ESV

If you’re like me, you have probably lost count of how many times you have heard “we’re living in uncertain times” during this past year. And if you’re like me, you’ve gotten tired of that phrase. And each time you hear it, your stress level bumps up a bit.

However, hasn’t that always been the case? Take a look back with me to the Garden of Eden pre-fall. Imagine, if you will, utter perfection. Adam and Eve knew what each day would hold. They knew there would be enough to eat. They had no concept of danger. Illness and death didn’t exist. “What if” was not a phrase found in their vocabulary.  And most importantly, they knew each day God the Father would meet them for an evening stroll. They lived in the epitome of certainty. 

After the fall, everything—EVERYTHING—changed. They knew for the first time what it was like to worry. Attempting to clothe themselves, shows they had lost their trust in God to provide their basic necessities. Their relationship with God was tainted. He made that obvious while He revealed what their disobedience had cost them and for all mankind. Read that encounter found in Genesis 3:16-19.

As we thumb through the pages of God’s Word, we can see people dealing with uncertain times. Need was inevitable. Illness was inevitable. Fear was inevitable. Death was inevitable. Thanks a lot, Adam and Eve! But God was not so uncaring that He didn’t take care of His people time and time again. He still loved His creation unconditionally.

Fast-forward to when God sent the promised Messiah. Many misunderstood His mission. They expected Him to overthrow the government and set up His kingdom on earth. Basically, a return to certainty. Sadly, they were mistaken. Imagine their confusion when He was fastened to a cross. His earthly life was snuffed out—so it seemed. Had they forgotten His teachings?

Matthew 24 reads almost like a daily newspaper. Believe it or not, Jesus wasn’t just describing future events but what was happening right then as well. He wasn’t trying to scare them (or us) but encourage them. I have to admit when I read those verses I get a little anxious. How about we read His words with the excitement that “all this” will soon be behind us and we will be in His presence!

My mother had a saying, “It won’t always be like this.” She said that many times during her moments of uncertainty. She was always right. Her earthly “like this” came to an end several years ago. She now lives in the certainty of her eternity with Jesus.  And one day I will join her.

What about you? Are you overwhelmed with uncertainty? If you haven’t trusted Jesus as your Savior please don’t hesitate. He longs to give you His perfect peace. Simply ask Him to forgive you of your sin and make your heart His home. You will still have trouble. He promised that. But His promise of peace will overcome your fear.

Are you a believer dealing with the anxiety of the uncertain times we are in? I want to remind you that God loves you and cares about your struggles. Lay them at His feet. Find a fellow believer to pray with you. 

Father, thank You for sending Jesus and His promise to give us perfect peace in the times in which we are living. We read Your Word and see the signs and prophecies being fulfilled every day. May we rejoice and not be anxious. Remind us to look up because our redemption is drawing near! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

© 2021 by Linda Gray.  All rights reserved.

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