We are living in uncertain times. While the future is unpredictable, the world seems especially erratic right now. Both sides in the Israel-Hamas War have the capability to use nuclear weapons, and tensions in the Middle East are at a fever pitch. The conflict in Ukraine seems far from ending, and hostilities between world powers continue to intensify. Many of our politicians in Washington, D.C., seem ambivalent or incapable of handling issues that threaten our country, and it seems the whole world is restless and walking on eggshells.
I think these current events signal we are nearing the return of Christ. I cannot prove that – and no one knows for sure. Yet, these tenuous times are causing many Christians to reexamine Bible prophecies and consider whether Christ’s return is quickly approaching.
Of course, life is never certain. This past week, while vacationing in North Carolina, the wife of one of our elders suddenly collapsed and died of a stroke. She was just in her early fifties. Now, the lives of her husband and three children have been turned upside down. James 4 reminds us of this uncertainty: “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that’” (James 4:13-15)
When life is uncertain, how should Christ-followers live during uncertain times?
Refuse to surrender to fear. In 2020, during the Covid pandemic, many believers succumbed to their fear and anxiety. Let’s not do that again. Don’t waste another minute of life cowering in your home or refusing to venture outside. Don’t miss hugging your grandkids, worshipping in church, or enjoying a get-together because you’re terrified something bad may happen.
King David wrote, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day” (Psalm 46:1-5).
Trust in the Lord to protect and provide for you. Jesus taught us, “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:31-34).
Jesus did not promise that nothing bad would ever happen to us. Rather, He said, “Each day has enough trouble of its own.” While there will be trouble, the Lord promises to strengthen us through the difficulty and grant us the power to overcome it. “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Therefore, have faith that “…nothing is going to happen today that you and the Lord can’t handle together.”
Eagerly anticipate eternal life. Face facts. This world is imperfect because of sin. So, there is tremendous heartache and pain here. Yet, for Christians, this world is not our permanent home. God has promised there is coming a day when “…He will wipe every tear from [our] eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain” (Revelation 21:4). “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).
One day, you are going to see God! You are going to meet Jesus! You are going to witness angels! You are going to feel healthy and re-energized! You are going to be reunited with loved ones! Get excited about that. “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:2-3).
In the meantime, Live each day to the fullest. You cannot control what happens in the Middle East. You cannot do much about inflation, immigration, or international conflict. But you can make the most of the time God has given you today. So, live joyfully, stand firm, and be a positive witness to others, showing that “the joy of the Lord is your strength.’
Corrie Ten Boom wisely said, “Worry doesn’t empty tomorrow of its sorrows – it empties today of its strength.” Do not waste another second today trying to carry tomorrow’s burdens. You do not know what will happen tomorrow, but God has given you this day. You are alive right now. Let us say with the Psalmist, “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).
One day at a time, sweet Jesus
That’s all I’m asking of You
Just give me the strength to do every day
What I have to do
Yesterday’s gone, sweet Jesus
And tomorrow may never be mine
Lord help me today
Show me the way
One day at a time
Oh, do you remember
When You walked among men
Well, Jesus, You know
If you’re looking below
That it’s worse now than then
Oh, there’s pushing and shoving
And it’s crowding my mind
So, Lord, for my sake
Teach me to take
One day at a time
© 1974 Kris Kristofferson, Marijohn Wilkin
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