I began a short teaching series Sunday called unCERTAINty. I noticed recently that the folks in Riverbluff Church as well as others, Believers and not-yet-Believers, seemed to be so uncertain about so many things. And it really wasn’t a few folks; it was a good number. Including me!
My Mom recently passed away and a week later Renee’s Dad died. (Renee is married to my son, Jason.) These two events were not the only source of my own uncertainty but definitely added to it. When I factored in the requests for prayer that my staff prays for on Mondays, the current political situation in the US, the class warfare, the threat of Iran, the terrorist threat, the economic issues, and the general “us & them” attitude of so many, one could easily get discouraged and increasingly uncertain. I know I did.
I was drawn to 1 Peter because that’s a letter written to Christians who were dealing with a great deal of suffering, persecution, and uncertainty. The entire letter is helpful to anyone going through uncertain or difficult times, but I was particularly helped by 1 Peter 5:6-11.
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:6-11 (ESV)
Peter’s words to the Christians of that era were written to people who did not have the advantages we have as 21st century Christians. They met where they could and endured great persecution being regarded as a cult rather than the largest religion on the planet. These folks faced odds we can’t even imagine so Peter’s words were written to people whose uncertainties and sufferings were far greater than anything I face.
-Humble yourself under God’s hand. He will lift you up at the just the right time.
-Cast all your anxieties on Him. He cares for you. Really!
-Watch out for the devil and resist him especially in tough times.
-Make it your goal to get through these times not out of them.
-Trust that God will use these times to restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
I have to remember that God uses tough times to make my faith stronger and stronger. (see James 1:2-4 and 1 Peter 1:6-7). In times of uncertainty and suffering, look to Him and trust that God will cause all things to work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purposes. God shines in times of our weakness most of all.
Aren't you glad?
