Certain Uncertainty

It’s often been said that, “The only thing certain in this life is that life is uncertain.”

Two years after Stacey and I bought our first house we were in discussions with real estate agents and loan officers looking for ways to maximize our investment.

We were told, “You can bank on the fact that real estate property values will double every ten years.”

Obviously this was from someone who really wanted our business, but it was the prevailing opinion as the housing market soared.

Warp ahead nine and half years later. We still own our first home (as a rental) and as far as its value? Let’s just say the real estate market is far from certain.

The economy is uncertain. It’s fickle. One day, investors seem confident, next thing you know, fear and panic seems to rule the day.

The job market is uncertain.

Your health is uncertain.

The weather is uncertain. If you live in the Seattle area you are acutely aware of this fact. I am convinced that if the “weather people” or excuse me, meteorologists were employed solely based on accuracy there would be an ever revolving door at all the local TV stations.

Life is uncertain. Your next year, month, week, day, or breath is not guaranteed. You only need to pick up the newspaper to read about another terrible tragedy in which someone loses a loved one in a senseless accident.

Here’s the point. Yes, life is uncertain. That’s why we do our best to find and surround ourselves with some perceived certainties. Having that perfect job that you’ll love every single day. Finding that reliable friend who will always be there for you. A loving partner to navigate the rest of your life with.

Although many of us try, we simply can’t control everything. Really besides how you respond to the uncertainty that surrounds you is about all you can control.

It’s as if humanity is on a never-ending search for certainty. For those of you who are fans of 80’s Romantic Comedies, humanity is searching for, “The Sure Thing.”

I’m not trying to be dramatic or anything. Not trying to write something super deep, I’m merely making some observations.

What if there really was a “Sure Thing” out there? What if there was something we could be certain of?

I truly believe there is.

God is certain. In fact, he’s, “the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13.8)

His love for you and me is certain.

His mercy and grace are certain.

His desire to have relationship with us is certain.

And yet, the mind-bending part of all His certainty is that it takes faith to receive it.

Hebrews 11.1 describes it this way: “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

I’m not smart enough to even pretend to know how all of this works, but I know since I put my full faith and trust in Jesus; there is at least one part of my life that’s certain.

No matter what uncertainties life throws my way, I choose to trust in a certain God.

I have a certain Savior in Jesus.

I have a certain advocate in the Holy Spirit.

“We have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It’s an unbreakable spiritual lifeline.” (Hebrews 6.18, MSG)

One thought on “Certain Uncertainty

  1. I love this.

    “No matter what uncertainties life throws my way, I choose to trust in a certain God.”

    So good, and so true. It’s a guarantee that life will throw us curve balls every now and then…but I’m so thankful that it’s also a guarantee that God will be right there with us all the way through em.

    And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion… -Philippians 1.6

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