How often do we hear the phrase, “These are uncertain times?” I want certainty. I eat well and exercise because I’m certain that will ensure my health as I age. I plan and save financially to ensure that I have what I need in the future. The reality is nothing is guaranteed.
I not only want certainty for my life, I want certainty for my children’s lives. I want a promise that their lives will be full of love, absent of addiction and suffering, and rooted in grace. I don’t think that is asking too much.
Even though the world is nothing but uncertain, there are some certainties we can count on.
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
3 For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; (Isaiah 43: 1b-3 NIV)
We are assured there will be uncertain times. We are promised that during those times we will not be alone. We are certain that we have a purpose and a plan in life.
11 For I know the plansI have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).
I am also certain that we are perfectly and wonderfully made (Psalm 139). We are loved and forgiven. There are certainties in this life. They come through the life of a babe who comes humbly in a manger and turns society upside down by loving the unlovable, by loving me. As we head into Advent, I want to focus on the gift that came in a manger and brought certainty in uncertain times.
Do you crave certainty? Do you want to know without a doubt that everything will be okay? Are you willing to trust God’s promises as certainty? Share your story here and breathe life and bring hope to others.