We’re uncertain about a lot of things.

We spend our entire lives uncertain about…life.

What school to attend. What job to go after. Who to date. Who to marry. What kind of business to start. Where to live. To have kids or not. Chipotle or moes. Red or Blue pill.

We are uncertain about the state of our world and our political and religious leaders’ ability to guide us fairly and justly. We don’t know if we’ll see Jesus or Satan himself when it’s all over. We’re uncertain if we made the right choice about skim milk or 2%; some of us wonder whether or not if living life is worth living at all.

The things in our lives that are not definite, that we cannot fully grab a hold of (and control) often leave us ambivalent about life in general. We become apathetic and slow to make a decision on anything because the uncertainties of our lives leave little room to rest. Our minds wonder at night, our hearts race throughout the day. “Did I get it right?” we must know.

When the anxiousness of getting it right takes over, we begin to psyche ourselves out to think that making no decision at all is better than making the wrong one. This, I think, is a defense mechanism against disappointment. If we don’t make a decision one way or the other, we don’t have to deal with the consequences of our decisions. What we miss, however, is that any decision, right or wrong, has as much of a chance of being a reward than it does being a consequence.

This got me to thinking about a text in the bible that talks about the certainty of God’s ability and work. Philippians 1:6 says,

…and I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

There’s a level of certainty we can have in God that God will do the work, that God will complete the decisions we make — good or bad. Now, this is no license to intentionally make bad choices like robbing a bank or betting all your money on the Atlanta Falcons to win the Superbowl. It is, I think, a way to understand God’s role in our decision making process. There are many things we are uncertain about — but one thing that is certain is that God will finish the work God started in us. Sometimes the finishing of that work starts with one simple decision.

So, what’s the thing you’re most uncertain about today? Is it an idea or life change? A relationship status or dream unfulfilled? Is it as simple as deciding whether to call an old friend to say sorry or whether to pack your bags and move across country to live your dreams?

Name that thing — name the uncertainty. And, after that, name the thing of which you are most certain. What are you most sure of? God is certain about us and the work God will do in our lives. As the year comes to an end, consider the uncertainties and certainties; both are in the hands of God to make good, to finish it all in your favor!

On the Chase,

Alisha L.

PS: I’ll be at Florida A&M University on January 15 and Iowa State University on January 21 giving keynote speeches for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday! I’d love to see you there!

PPS: I’ll also be in New York the week of February 20-27 for a summit on human trafficking! I’m open for preaching/speaking engagements while there! Click here to learn more and submit your request!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

xo