As we face the future, in the aftermath of the horrific flood in Minot, we live with the reality of the unknown will it flood again next spring and/or summer, as the word out on the street is, that it will? Thousands of people live with this tension: rebuild now versus waiting till spring with the unknown variable if the roaring waters of the Mouse will further devastate their flooded home once again then.
In a time of so many questions and uncertainty, God's Word gives timely guidance in simply trusting the unknown. Proverbs 3:5-6 says: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Wow! What a timely promise for troubled hearts to simply trust, which actually means "a firm reliance or confidence on the integrity, strength, ability or character of a person, or a confident expectation of something hoped for."
Now there are definite "obstacles" that try to paralyze our souls in simply trusting in a time of the unknown. Yes, a common foe or enemy that we're all too familiar with, namely that "fear that enslaves us," plus that spirit of "independence" that says, "I want to do it my way, in my own time, instead of seeking God's wisdom and guidance. These obstacles are sure recipes for failure and frustration. God's Word exhorts us to simply trust the Lord or leave the unknown future in God's camp, "His hands." Friend, stop to think of it, he's never failed us once, and never will! Praise the Lord!
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Rev. Dan Chell
The good news is that God gives us the "opportunity" to fully trust or rely on him with our entire being, our very heart or soul. The Lord invites you just now to anew place your confidence entire on him, giving him your heart. We can press on in all confidence into the unknown future with him at the control of our lives, our heart. Remember, what God said, "Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flows the issues of life."
In conclusion, the certain "outcome" as we leave the "unknown" in God's hands, is glorious victory! The Apostle Paul testified of such in Romans 8:37, "in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us." The good news of the Gospel is that God promises timely guidance, wisdom and strength in facing all our giants of adversity. As we press on into the unknown future, take heart friend, simply trust God with it all. Corrie ten Boom did just that in the midst of her horrific persecution in prison camp for her unflagging faithfulness to her faith in Christ. She testified, "Never be afraid to trust the unknown future to an all-knowing God."
The Rev. Dan Chell is a pastor at Our Redeemer's Lutheran Brethren Church in Mniot
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Reflections, a mini-sermon written by Minot and area clergy, will appear each Saturday in The Minot Daily News. Clergy interested in writing a mini-sermon should contact Religion Editor Loretta Johnson at 857-1952 or Debbie Sandvold at 857-1950. The toll-free number is 1-800-735-3229.