In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening do not withhold your hand; for you do not know which will prosper, either this or that, or whether both alike will be good. Ecclesiastes 11:6
Unpredictability. Of all things we desire to change about life, mysteriousness might top the list. Why do things happen the way they do? Why do we fact the difficulty of forgetting the past and the impossibility of knowing the future? How can we navigate a world where everything can change in a moment?
Ecclesiastes gives us counsel from the wisest man who ever lived. His admonition? Work hard, trust God, and leave the rest to Him. To illustrate, Solomon wrote in chapter 11 that only farmers who sow will have the chance to reap a harvest. Though we cannot predict what misfortune will occur on the earth (v.2), we can be certain that those paralyzed by fear will have nothing to show for it (v.4). The diligent farmer plants his crops and is ready if the rain comes. Likewise, God calls every Christian to live without fear of calamity, focusing instead on what we know to do. Refusing to walk with God because we cannot predict what lies ahead is not an option. Seasons of joy and heartache are the consequences of a fallen world, but God calls us to rest in Him rather than retreat from Him.
Though life is often a mystery, trusting God is not. Don’t allow the burdens of the past to prevent you from trusting the Lord today. Refuse to let the uncertainty of tomorrow tempt you to doubt the goodness and purposes of God. Plant the seeds of faithfulness, righteousness, hope, and love while waiting for the rain of heaven. Position yourself for the blessing of God, and if they don’t come, trust Him anyway. Choose to believe Scripture when your circumstances entice you to doubt. God knows what He is doing so you don’t have to.*
Father, help me to trust You when I don’t understand what You’re doing in my life. Free me from demanding answers rather than trusting in You. Give me the strength and wisdom to be faithful in my Christian walk despite the anxieties I sometimes feel. Forgive me for doubting Your goodness in my life. Thank You for working all things together for my good according to Your good pleasure. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
*Dr. Adam Dooley, Mobile, AL