Certainty In An Uncertain Time

What a weird and crazy world we live in! Three short months before the writing of this post, phrases like “social distancing”, “shelter at home", and “soft closure” were things you might find on a viral meme floating around the internet. Now they have become part of our normal vernacular. The emotions and responses from individuals and leaders (as evidenced by my Facebook and Google News feeds) have shifted from passive to aggressive to fearful to community-building. What started as an odd battle over toilet paper and hand sanitizer has turned into people using technology to share the Gospel of Jesus in ways and to people we could not have reached 3 months ago.

So, as a pastor, church leader, worship team member, tech person, volunteer, or layperson, how do we find certainty in this uncertain time? It starts with the Word of God.

What is Uncertain?

Before we can claim the certainties, we have to identify the uncertainties (and sometimes this isn’t fun). This could be your job, your house, your investments, family and friendships, and so much more. But identify those things in your life. Write them down. Know what they are.

“In this world you will have trouble.” (John 16:33)

Now, look at the list and put a star by anything that could happen at ANY TIME - not just in this uncertainty we have in the world. If you are honest with yourself, almost everything on your list will have a star. What does that mean? It means that your current situation doesn’t actually dictate the outcome. These uncertainties can happen at any time in your life. How you handle these uncertainties is what matters.

What is Certain?

The old adage, “there are only two things certain in this world: death and taxes” is an attempt to be humorous but doesn’t really convey certainty. Instead, let’s look back at what the Word of God says later on in the above verse:

“But take heart! I [Jesus] have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

That is certain!!! Jesus has overcome the world. There is nothing that He can not do. As the old hymn says, “My hope is built on nothing less…”

Overcome Fear

A true test is to ask yourself the following questions and see how you respond:

1) Do I believe that God is in control?
2) Do I believe that God can take care of my needs?
3) Do I believe that God knew what has already happened, knows what is happening right now, and is already aware of what is going to happen in the future?

Your response to those questions can really let you know where your faith and beliefs lie. Even in uncertain times like now, we can have faith that God is in control and has known that this was going to happen before it took place. All he asks us is to be faithful to Him. Now, before we get into the “then why are we practicing social distancing” argument, let me remind you about the book of Leviticus in the Bible. God provided laws and rules to the Israelites not just so they would be obedient, but as a protection for them. The certain things they ate, the required steps for health, the specific rules for marriages - they were all about protecting the children of God. That means that we are to be responsible with how we act and interact with other people right now. But don’t let fear grip you.

As you may know, scripture is blasted with over 200 variations of “do not fear”, “do not be afraid”, “fear not”, etc. Why? Well Paul, in his second letter to Timothy, shares it beautifully:

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. (2 Tim. 1:7)

Are you living in fear and timidity? Or in power, love, and self-discipline? That’s who God created you to be. The other stuff is not from Him.

So what Now?

As you prepare to reach your community this Sunday through technology, prepare your heart. Pray that God would remove any fear or doubt you have. Pray that He would be glorified and honored through the words and/or music that you share. Pray that your worth would not come from how good or bad the service was, but in Him, who created you with His power, His love, and His self-discipline. This is not a time to cower and be afraid. This is a time to boldly claim Jesus as our Lord and reach people in ways we may never have thought possible.