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Certainty in the Midst of Uncertainty

“Nothing is certain except death and taxes” or however the saying goes.  I would beg to differ!

But first, it would probably be good to figure out what “certain” means.  Certain is defined as the quality of being reliably true.  That definition would also mean that an anticipated or scheduled event is definitely going to take place.

The opposite of certain is uncertain.  Things may or may not be true and events may or may not happen.  A clue to when things are uncertain is when we use words like “if”, “or”, “but”, and “maybe”. 

I recently read a verse in Jeremiah where certainty seems to be, well, certain:

“Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved.  For you are my praise.”  (Jer 17:14)

In this verse, certainty seems to be established by the use of the words “and” and “will”.  Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed.  There are no “ifs”, “ors”, “buts’ or “maybes”.   

But uncertainly, at least from our perspective, does seem to creep in.  I think it’s because we have expectations of how God should heal (and save) and when He should do so.  But the reality is that God’s plans and purposes are perfect and they are implemented out of His perfect wisdom and power.  So, when He heals (and saves), it certainly happens just a as it should!   

It seems to me that if we want to have any level of certainty in the midst of our uncertainty, it likely comes when we use those same two words of “and” and “will” in this way:  God’s plans and purposes are perfect and I will trust Him! 

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