The beginning part of the devotional series "Embracing the Uncertain" really started with a connection of what was happening in the world at that time. It was the last week of February. The coronavirus pandemic was in the earlier stages in the United States. Everyone was moving freely about the country. Schools were preparing for spring break. The financial picture of the nation was in good shape. Churches were starting their 40 days of Lent, looking forward to that glorious Easter Sunday celebration. Almost overnight life changed. An authentic fear and uncertainty has since gripped the nation. Reports of the progress of the virus has permeated daily conversation. Those news reports have been focused solely on how America and the world are fighting against this devastating illness. Our personal lives have been thrust into a strange, new era. We've been at home with our families, not encouraged to venture out to where others are - to maintain a safe distance. Many are able to work from home, getting their work done via computer or cell phone.
Our school student's lives have changed dramatically - spring events have been postponed or cancelled. School has moved to online based learning. Our seniors will have memories of their final year of high school (and college) being altered from their hopes and dreams. Our churches have scrambled to offer live stream worship, connecting through virtual and video chat rooms and calling those who may be at risk to see if there is anything that they need.
If there were any days that we could embrace as being uncertain, these days are it.
It took me a while to get to this point: we absolutely needed a devotion like “Embracing the Uncertain” to help us see more clearly what God has in mind for us when we come across uncertain days. Today's devotion, Day 36, brings us closer to the end of Holy Week - Holy Thursday and Good Friday - moments which were fraught with uncertainty for Jesus and His disciples. Jesus is prepared for the ordeal which lies just ahead of Him, but He takes a rare moment to offer a lament for the people He loves so dearly. They just don't get Him or His message.
The author of the devotion asks a very important question...
"If God is 1) all loving and 2) all powerful, then 3) why are there suffering and evil in the world?"The answer to this question is one of the greatest mysteries we will ever come across. I do believe a part of that answer is found in the delicate balance of God's love and power stacked against the free will He has given us as humans. We have the ability to make choices. We can decide outcomes. We can change the world one way or another. In making those choices, this all loving and all powerful God has given us every piece of information that we need to make a good choice. He has made promises that ought to be considered when making any decision.
God has done everything He can to give us the knowledge that we need to make those decisions so that we may live with honor and integrity according to His Word.
It's really up to us. In these uncertain days, our choices can make all the difference. Hopefully, we will choose to trust, to listen, and to follow.
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