When Your Whole World Changes - COVID-19 Special EditionSample

Uncertainty—Guaranteed

Nothing will ever be the same. There have been so many changes: how we work, how we shop for food, our sense of belonging, how we engage with our community, and even how we live as a family. I don’t know what I can rely on anymore.

It’s true. Life will be different for some time as we recover from the impact of this pandemic, and some things will never be the same. But changes, painful losses, and hardships don’t have the last word. 

Being in difficult circumstances doesn’t mean that God has abandoned us or that life will never be good again.

The Bible tells us the story of Joseph. He was his father’s favorite son, and his brothers were jealous of him. Joseph experienced difficult circumstances when his brothers sold him into slavery! Despite their betrayal, Joseph became a good slave in an important official’s household. The official rewarded Joseph by putting him in charge of running his household. But later, Joseph went to prison for many years because of false accusations against him.

But bad circumstances don’t stop God from accomplishing his work. Through these struggles, God taught Joseph His ways and prepared him to be a wise leader. Eventually Joseph led Egypt in preparing for and surviving a widespread famine. Even Joseph’s family came to Egypt for food!

How do you think Joseph perceived the unexpected turn of events? Notice his response to his brothers who thought he would take revenge on them for mistreating him.

“We are your slaves,” they said.

But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.

Genesis 50:18–21

The future is always uncertain. After everything that had happened to him, Joseph realized that God was always in control and accomplishing his good work.

 When you face the uncertainties of life, does the guarantee of God’s goodness give you hope?