ATLANTA (BP)–Should a Christian, especially one in the marketplace, live with uncertainty in 2002? In the “world” uncertainty abounds. Even the “experts” will not give a certain prediction for the New Year. But what about the clear witness of the Christian?
The apostle Paul lived in “uncertain times” but he did not live with uncertainty! His witness to his generation was, “So run [your race] that you may lay hold [of the prize] and make it yours. … Therefore I do not run uncertainly — without a definite aim….” (Amplified, 1 Corinthians 9:24b, 26a).
Again, writing to the believers at Philippi, Paul encouraged them by saying: “… I make every effort to take hold of [the goal] because I have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus…. I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus. Therefore, all who are mature ought to think this way….” (Philippians 3:l2-l5, Holman Christian Standard Bible).
God, whom we serve, not only holds the future, including 2002, but he also sovereignly controls the future. Therefore, for the mature believer facing 2002, we do not enter it with the slightest uncertainty! Rather, we live with perfect confidence in God and his rule and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33), knowing that he “will add everything to us” one day at a time.
Therefore, our prayer in 2002 will be: “Father, thank you for your promised presence in my life, my family, and my work. I choose not to ‘run uncertainly’ my race which you have laid out for me (Hebrews 12: 1) in 2002. But I will press confidently toward the goal the prize which you have promised when you called me! I now place my hand and my life confidently in your hand and will live my life as a witness to your great presence in the life of anyone who will believe you and trust you!”
With this prayer commitment on your lips and in your heart, step out into the New Year with great confidence, watching to see all God will do throughout the year. Be prepared for the world around you. Unfortunately, even many professing believers live their lives with great uncertainty, often accompanied by fear. Your life will not only be a great contrast to theirs, but a great witness as well. May God mightily use you in 2002 to be a catalyst to bring many people to put their faith and trust in the LORD, too!
Especially will this be a need in your family. Each of your children, regardless of their ages, will need our adult world to live in real and transparent confidence in God, who is in control of our world. But never has the need for such confidence been greater in the churches. We must, this next year, live very different from the world around us.
Unfortunately, we too often live just like the world, so they do not see the real difference God makes in the lives and homes of those who trust him completely. This year, let’s continue on toward maturity in our Christian lives, walking worthy of the calling given to us by God.
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