"Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20: 29
Six years after landing my first job after college, the company gossip mill was working overtime that layoffs would be imminent. It wasn’t the first time. The company had previously downsized and I was spared. This time was different, however. I was now married, with an infant son in daycare, and pregnant with my daughter. Not to mention that everyone was on my insurance! For two weeks I anxiously went to work, unsure if that day would be my last. Finally, on a Wednesday, I pulled into the parking lot in time to see my coworker heading to her car with the infamous box of her accumulated items. I had just settled into my cubicle when my supervisor’s manager asked me into his office. All suspicions were finally laid to rest when I too prepared my box. Suddenly, my thoughts raced. How on earth are we going to survive? Should a six-month pregnant woman look for work? There’s no way we can afford COBRA health insurance. I had a lot of questions and felt I deserved an answer. I had no idea how we were going to be sustained. I couldn't see beyond that moment. I had uncertainties, but I also had hope. Hope in a heavenly father who has never known defeat.
I was comforted by an old song. These 1990’s lyrics by Tata Vega encouraged me as we were waiting for God to bless us with children after suffering child loss. The chorus:
You don’t have to know why, because the why is unimportant
You don’t have to know when, because time is not a factor,
You don’t have to know what, you don’t have to know how
His love for you is all you need to know.
Friends, the truth is we’re not always afforded, nor are we entitled to know with certainty what God plans for us. But one of the most important things we can do during uncertain times is ask God to help us believe and stand firm on the promises He’s already given. In John 20:28, Jesus tells Thomas, “Blessed are those who have not seen, and yet believed.” Though Jesus was talking about himself, the same can be true of our uncertainties. Blessed are we when we believe without seeing. When we take God at his word and believe, even when we don’t yet see, nor know the outcome. Regardless of the circumstances, we can take comfort in:
1. Romans 8:28 and 31, knowing that all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose. Then, we can boldly tell our uncertainties, if God be for us, who can be against us?
2. 1 Peter 5:7, and cast all of our cares on Him. Why? Because He cares for us.
3. Jeremiah 29:11, believing that His plans for us are all good. He has a wonderful future for us! Even if we don’t know what it is yet.
The new year has just begun and so many are still rattled by the past few years that we’re not yet sure how to feel about 2022. So many things are uncertain. But take heart! Whatever the future holds you can be encouraged to know that nothing we can ever face in this world will be compared to the glory that shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18). God has already overcome the world! Whether it’s politics, social injustices, the economy, jobs, family issues, financial stability, or anything else, keep John 16:33 at the forefront of your minds, “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.” The times we’re currently living in may be uncertain, but there’s always hope when our faith is in Christ Jesus.
Go in peace as we navigate an uncertain future.
Prayer: Father, I thank you that your word instructs us in Proverbs 4:25-27 to look straight before us, directly forward. No turning to the left or the right. Help us to not look at our current surroundings. This is not where our faith lies. But our faith is in you, and in your word help us to meditate day and night. God, for those facing fear, worry, or doubt about the uncertainty of the future, give them peace, your peace, that surpasses all understanding. Holy Spirit be the comforter, counselor, advocate that guides us to rest peacefully in the promises of God. Calm the hearts of the anxious. Still the doubts of the worrier. Lord, we may not know what the future holds, but we know we don’t have one if it isn’t rooted in you. Thank you for always being there. Thank you for overcoming death, hell, and the grave, so that we can live like overcomers here on earth. We thank you for being our constant rock in uncertain times. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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