Trusting God in an uncertain world … Is it even possible?
Jesus warned believers there would be a time when wars, earthquakes, famines, and other disasters would be more and more common. He compared them to birth pains, getting stronger and more frequent as the delivery approaches. He went on to warn of persecution and betrayal, even from members of our own families.
We live in a world of uncertainty today. Biblical morality is coming under increasing criticism. It’s attacked and condemned as mean-spirited, self-righteous, homophobic, and worse. Religious liberties are being threatened and it will probably get worse.
So, how can we stay faithful and continue trusting God in a changing, uncertain world?
Welcome, to “God’s Word Day by Day.” This year I’ve added a couple of new features. First, check out the “Free Resources” tab at the top. You’ll find a downloadable, printable PDF with “Going Deeper Study Questions” for each day’s post and a list of all the Bible readings so you can check them off as you go. You’ll also find the daily posts on YouTube. The daily emails now have a link to both these Soul Survival posts and the YouTube videos. If you’re not already signed up, you can do it here.
Today’s Readings:
Numbers 23 & 24
Psalm 33.18-22
Proverbs 11.27
Mark 13.1-20
Trusting God in Uncertain Times
Mark 13.1-20:
Trusting God with Wars & Rumors of Wars
In this passage, Jesus was talking to four of the disciples when they began to question Him about the end times, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign when all these things will be fulfilled?”
5 And Jesus, answering them, began to say: “Take heed that no one deceives you.6 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and will deceive many.7 But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet.8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows.
“Wars and rumors of wars” – We’re seeing this lived out on our television screens night after night. And in many ways, it even seems to be going on within our own nation. But it’s encouraging to read Jesus’ words “do not be troubled.”
While we shouldn’t neglect to pray or become hardened by all that’s happening, we can trust in God and His sovereignty. He has a plan and He’s at work in our nation and the world.
Trusting God in Persecution
9 “But watch out for yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils, and you will be beaten in the synagogues. You will be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony to them.10 And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations.11 But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.12 Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death.13 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.
Many commentators have said that we are living in a post-Christian culture. The Bible’s code of morality was once widely accepted in Western culture, even by those who were not genuine believers. But not today. Issues like sexuality, abortion, gender, and marriage are constantly changing. Holding to a biblical standard is likely to get you in hot water. Jobs, careers, businesses, reputations, and even ministries like adoption agencies and Christian colleges and universities are coming under increasing fire. Churches are already in the sights of those who want to throw off all restraint. Following God will, almost certainly, get harder and harder.
Trusting God in Trouble & Sorrow
But I want to look back at the last part of verse 8:
And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows.
In particular, notice the words troubles and sorrows. Those two words could cover a lot of territory. Things like terrorist attacks, governmental upheaval, financial losses, natural disasters, and what the Bible calls plagues. And that’s a short list.
We live in a time of uncertainty. Today we’re watching an immoral, unprovoked war and living with the continuing effects of a pandemic. Tomorrow it may be something else. As believers, we’re not immune to the consequences of troubles and sorrows. When viruses spread, they infect believers along with unbelievers. And war, even in another nation, affects us all.
None of us knows what the future holds. We have no guarantee that we won’t get sick, have an accident, or encounter some other kind of pain and sorrow.
But while we don’t know the future, not God’s timetable for the things Jesus talked about in this passage, not what will happen in our nation, not in our own personal lives, and not in the world. But we know the One who does. And His eye is on those who fear Him (Ps. 33.18). Nothing can happen to us that isn’t first filtered through our Savior’s loving hands.
Even in a time of great judgment, God told Isaiah, “Say to the righteous that it shall be well with them” (Is. 3.10).
Our responsibility is to stay faithful and continue trusting God. But there are things we can and should do that will help us do that well.
How to Grow Our Trust in God
First, we need to be part of a faithful bible-teaching church (Heb. 10.25). God never intended for us to live the Christian life on our own. He made us for community. Each of us should be committed to a local church where we can get support and encouragement and give the same to others.
Second, we need a regular intake of God’s Word (Heb. 10.17). Simply hearing a sermon on Sunday isn’t enough. We need to read the Bible for ourselves. While I don’t want to be legalistic about it, daily is best.
Third, pray (Lk. 18.1). Jesus began the introduction to His model prayer, “when you pray …” (Lk. 11.2). Not if you pray, but when you pray. If prayer is awkward for you, try praying that model prayer. You can learn more about it here.
But ultimately we must choose to meditate on and believe His promises and learn to rest in His grace. There is nothing that will happen in this world and nothing that can happen in our lives apart from His sovereign care and control. Believing that and living like we do is what it means to trust in Him.
And now a few thoughts about today’s other readings:
Proverbs 11.27:
Trouble or Favor
Today’s verse in Proverbs says:
He who earnestly seeks good finds favor, but trouble will come to him who seeks evil.
We’ve probably all known people who just seem to go looking for trouble. And if we go looking for it, we shouldn’t be surprised if it finds us.
But what about earnestly seeking good? That’s purposeful. Romans 12.17b in the ESV says we should, “… give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.”
Do we give thought to ways we can do good to others?
This isn’t just about big things. There are lots of little ways to do good every day.
When was the last time you let someone slip in front of you in traffic or showed kindness to a befuddled or even incompetent waitress?
And what about eternal things? When was the last time you shared the gospel, picked someone up for church, or quietly met a need?
I don’t think doing good comes naturally to us. But it’s a desire that can be cultivated by focusing on God’s goodness in our lives and by praying for His help to be earnest seekers of good.
A note about doing good: As believers, we are to do good. It’s the fruit of a life that has been changed by God (Eph. 2.10). But being good will never get us to heaven (Rom. 3.23, 6.23). Only faith in the finished work of Christ including confession and repentance can save us (Eph. 2.8-9).
Numbers 23 & 24:
After all … He uses us!
I guess the story of Balaam is one of the stranger stories in the Bible. First, his donkey talks. Then God speaks to a pagan king through a false prophet (2 Pet. 2.15-16; Jude 11). The bottom line is that God is God and He can and will use whatever and whomever He chooses. We shouldn’t be surprised; after all, He uses us!
Psalm 33.18-22:
He Delights In & Watches Over His Children
Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy (v. 18).
God is omniscient; He knows everything and sees everything! But His eye is on those who fear, worship, and reverence Him, in a distinct way. He places His special favor on them, and delights in and watches over them as only He can!
Coming Up:
In the coming days, we’ll talk about vows, authority, and soul winning, and ask the question, “What are you willing to pour out for Christ?”
I hope you’ll sign up so you don’t miss them.
If you have a prayer request or a question, feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of the post. I will do my best to answer and would love to pray for you.
And if this post spoke to you, I would so appreciate it if you would share it on your favorite social media platform.
Blessings as you grow in Christ,
Donna ♥
Note about this post:
I began blogging through the Bible in 2012 and have done so every year since then. These posts are the product of many edits and additions throughout those years. Some days I make major changes, other days fewer.
A while ago, I read Jen Wilkin’s book None Like Him about the attributes of God. One is His incomprehensibility. In it, she says, “God is incomprehensible. This does not mean that he is unknowable, but that he is unable to be fully known.”
I have found that to be true each year as I’ve gone back through the Bible. Sometimes I find myself feeling as if a passage just appeared there for the first time. I’m reminded that no matter how many times we read through the Bible, we have only scratched the surface. I hope you feel the same.
Indeed these are the mere edges of His ways,
And how small a whisper we hear of Him!
But the thunder of His power who can understand?” (Job 26.14)
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