“He did this so that they might seek God, and perhaps they might reach out and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.” Acts 17:26 (CSB)
If there is one thing that makes me uncomfortable, it’s uncertainty.
When faced with uncertain situations, I tighten my grip on anything I can, just trying to hold all the pieces together. If I can keep things under control, maybe I can keep things from falling apart.
The problem is, the more I realize all that is outside of my control, the more panicked I become.
As a Christian, I want to trust God wholeheartedly. I want to surrender what I so desperately want to control into His capable hands. But if I’m honest, the minute things feel uncertain, I’m more propelled to feel scared than I am to remember God’s sovereignty.
Can you relate?
In processing this, I found myself in Acts 17. Here, we find Paul speaking to the people of Athens at the Areopagus. The Areopagus was a place filled with uncertainty. People would gather and talk for hours trying to understand and solve the issues of humanity like religion, politics, family, etc. In this context of unknowns and a fair amount of anxiety, Paul says these assuring and comforting words:
“The God who made the world and everything in it—he is Lord of heaven and earth—does not live in shrines made by hands. Neither is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives everyone life and breath and all things. From one man he has made every nationality to live over the whole earth and has determined their appointed times and the boundaries of where they live. He did this so that they might seek God, and perhaps they might reach out and find him, though he is not far from each one of us” (Acts 17:24-27, CSB)
This passage highlights these hope-filled truths about God:
He is Lord of heaven and earth. In other words, He is King of all things.
Sovereignty is simply defined as God’s authority, rule, reign and control over everything. Even when we are shaken by what we face, God never is. God’s sovereignty is meant to bring us peace, not make us feel more out of control.
He is the source of life. The source of life needs nothing because He sustains all He creates.
God has determined the “appointed times and boundaries” of our existence (Acts 17:26). We could have been born at any time in human history and in any geographic area. Yet, the times and the boundaries of our existence are divinely placed and purposed by the hands of God Himself. This can bring us peace when we endure both the good and hard times.
Friend, if you’re paralyzed with fear around the uncertain situations in your life today, here’s what I want you to know: We can respond to the uncertainty of life with the certainty of God’s plan and purpose for us.
Paul says the purpose is that we might reach out, find God and come to realize He was never far from us (Acts 17:27). The phrase, “reach out and find” in Greek was used by Homer to describe a person in darkness reaching out their hands to find their way out into the light. Paul is saying that though our uncertainty may feel like we are in darkness, all we need to do is reach out and realize that God has never left us or abandoned us. He is the light that is with us and guides us.
What we’re facing may be making us uncomfortable, but the God of all comfort is right here with us (2 Corinthians 1:3). As believers, we can count on the certainty of God’s nearness. Theologian Charles Spurgeon says it this way, “God is near, and therefore hope is near.”
Are you battling sickness in your body? God is near. Hope is near.
Are you riddled with fear and anxiety about the future? God is near. Hope is near.
Are you in a tough parenting season? God is near. Hope is near.
Are you waiting for a breakthrough in a specific prayer request? God is near. Hope is near.
Even in uncertainty, we can keep moving forward in steps of faith, trusting every detail of our lives is held in the firm and faithful hands of our Heavenly Father.
Lord, You are the King of kings and ruler over all. Help that truth resonate deep within me when I feel uncertain. Nothing surprises You, and You have a good plan for those who love You. Thank You for Your nearness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Are you tired of trying so hard to avoid your weaknesses or overcompensate for them? God has better for us than the pace we’ve been running. And it begins with bowing low in humility. If you need help believing this is true, pick up a copy of Dr. Joel Muddamalle’s book, The Hidden Peace: Finding True Security, Strength, and Confidence Through Humility.
This is your LAST CHANCE to Pre-Order and get the exclusive free bonus resources (first three chapters of the book and the Origin Story of Satan: The Cost of Pride.)
Right now i feel this when it comes to the uncertainty of my job. Not a fun place to be. Remembering who God is helps! Also remembering past experiences when I’ve put my faith in Him and He has provided. Because in the heat of the moment, it’s so easy to forget and panic.