Our world has undergone enormous change in just a few months. Who would have ever thought we would be talking about the good old days of just last year? In a period of only two months, we have seen unemployment go from record lows to record highs. We’ve seen the stock market take unprecedented plunges. With the mandated stay-at-home order, the economy came to a screeching halt. Businesses closed, some to never reopen. Thousands of individuals have been laid off from their jobs. These have been the most trying times.
Now that things are slowly beginning to reopen, there are many questions that remain unanswered. Is it safe to sit down at a restaurant? Is it safe to fly? Is it safe to take a cruise? Have we seen the worst of the pandemic? What about this fall? Will there be a new surge of COVID-19 cases, the dreaded “second wave?” How do we navigate such times of uncertainty?
The Apostle Paul knew times of ease and prosperity, but he also knew times of great hardship. His words are instructive and encouraging: “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:11-13).
There are two important truths we must remember as we go through these uncertain times. 1. Nothing is uncertain to God; He is sovereign over all things. He is working His purposes perfectly. For His children, God manifests the same love as we go through difficulties as He manifests during times of abundance. We must learn contentment and learn to trust Him in all things. 2. During times of uncertainty, those who know the Lord Jesus Christ have found a sure foundation and a solid rock. When everything else seems to be failing, Jesus remains the same; He will never fail. Paul is saying that Christ is sufficient. It is good to be satisfied in Him. ■
