Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Faith, Hope, and Uncertainty

A frequent question I get asked is, are you going to be okay, pastor? I wish I could give you, my family, and even myself the assurance that yes, my cancer is definitely in remission and I have full assurance that the cancer is not going to come back. But I don’t have that assurance ... at least not yet. It would seem that a lot of us are facing uncertain times. No longer does one go to work for “the corporation,” retire and live off of a good nest egg. Downsizing, layoffs, and cut backs have left every one with a degree of uncertainty in their jobs. The decline of stock prices has hit retirement funds so that retirees are having to rethink what they thought was going to be a comfortable retirement. Cancer is even a wide spread challenge, especially for those of us who live in an area of the country where there is a high level of cancer cases. In many ways, we are getting acquainted with how the rest of the world lives. If you have had any personal contact with the rest of the world, you know that they live with uncertainty every day of their life. What is intriguing for me is that in those countries where there is uncertainty over daily necessities and even life itself, it is where the Christian community is thriving (Africa and Asia). What have they learned that we may not have learned?

I believe they have learned that they have a great God who furnishes them with, not pie in the sky hope, but a certain hope that assures them that, while this temporal life may not provide for them happiness, God’s goodness, greatness and presence in their life gives them a joy that transcends earthly circumstances. Maybe, in America, we have become used to the “American Dream,” and assumed that we are still guaranteed “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” This is a good time to re-examine Who it is that provides real hope in these uncertain times.

I would like to stick around for a lot longer. I think my family needs me, my church family could use me, and I believe that I have a lot more to do to impact, not only the Christian community but also the unchurched community. If I were ninety and suffering long term pain and suffering, I might be more interested in being delivered from this earthy tent. But I have a different view at this point. I want to stick around as long as possible because I want to do as much as possible to represent God here on earth. When I am in heaven, that won’t be possible. In heaven I am done with earthly things. Heaven will be glorious and phenomenal. In many ways it is a much anticipated transfer. God, as always, will make that final determination. As much as I appeal to Him, so far He keeps saying to me, “trust Me!” That is the way it should be.

So, in these uncertain times, where does hope come from to keep any of us focused? It comes from the solid assurance of a good and great God. Review the definition of faith I gave my congregation in my first faith assignment. “Faith is taking God at His Word in spite of feelings or circumstances.” Can His solid assurances become the strength, foundation, focus, and deep joy in the midst of our uncertain world. Others in the rest of the world have much to teach us. It is unfortunate that it takes dire circumstances to drive us closer to the Lord, but we should not miss the moment to learn much from Him. Take some time and reread Hebrews 11 and the “Hall of Faith.” Check out the opening verse and the closing verse. They bracket an outstanding statement of faith and its assurances.
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.... These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. (Hebrews 11:1 ... 39)

I hope your faith and assurance of hope grows. Mine has. Join me in the journey of hope!