Embracing Uncertainty in a Chaotic World
We live in a world where technology and human ingenuity have reached unprecedented heights. Yet, despite our best efforts, we still face uncertainty and chaos. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought this reality into sharp focus, leaving many of us feeling anxious and fearful about the future.
A Different Worldview
In the book of Genesis, we find a different worldview, one that acknowledges the uncertainty and chaos of life but also offers hope and reassurance. The story of Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers, is a powerful example of how God can take even the most difficult circumstances and turn them into something good.
Playing It Well
As C.S. Lewis once wrote, “We do not know the play. We do not even know whether we are in Act I or Act V. We do not know who are the major and who are the minor characters. The Author knows… That it has a meaning we may be sure, but we cannot see it.” In other words, we are actors in a play, and we don’t always know what’s coming next. But we can trust that the Author, God, has a plan and is working everything out for our good.
God’s Active Agency
The Bible shows us that God is an active agent in the world, working to bring about good even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. This is evident in the story of Joseph, who rose to become second in power under Pharaoh in Egypt. Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph was able to forgive them and even provide for them during a time of famine.
A Wider Range of Hopes and Expectations
When we understand that God is actively working in the world, we can begin to see that there are more possibilities than just health and wellness. We can cultivate a sense of contingency and contemplate a vision of reality that includes a wider range of hopes and expectations.
Challenging the Prevailing Worldview
However, this way of thinking is constantly challenged by the prevailing worldview, which tells us that nothing good can come from weakness, dependence, difficulty, pain, or suffering. But as Christians, we know that this is not true. We know that God can take even the most difficult circumstances and turn them into something good.
Reminders in the Face of Uncertainty
So what can we do when faced with uncertainty and chaos? Here are a few reminders:
- God is actively working in the world to bring about good.
- We can trust that God has a plan, even when we don’t understand what’s happening.
- We can cultivate a sense of contingency and contemplate a vision of reality that includes a wider range of hopes and expectations.
- We can challenge the prevailing worldview and instead choose to see the world through the lens of Scripture.
By embracing these reminders, we can begin to see the world in a different light, even in the midst of uncertainty and chaos. We can trust that God is working everything out for our good, and we can live with hope and confidence in the face of an uncertain future.
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