Uncertain times are experiences we do not expect or plan for. They are times when hearts melt and hopes are raised in fear. Days when one is either tempted to bow to an unseen adversary or muster up one’s strength and wrestle one’s way through. At such times we don’t know what exactly will happen and how events are likely to turn out, especially when it’s not appearing pleasant. They come to test our faith, take us through intense heat and pressure, and then in the end leave us either stronger or torn apart. They are a series of events master-minded by our chief invisible adversary to wear us out and make us lose confidence in the Truth. These moments come in different forms and at varying intensities ranging from life-threatening ailments, tight financial situations, single-parenting, raising a difficult and wayward child, barrenness, joblessness, inability to get a spouse or even the relapse of a battle we think we’ve conquered.

The list goes on endlessly. All options available usually fall into two categories: We either choose to languish in self-pity and keep looking for people who will affirm with us all the excuses we have to keep our heads bowed in perpetual humiliation OR do the needful even if we have to do it afraid. Barak the warrior (Esther 4:8) lost the opportunity of a lifetime when he refused to harken to Deborah’s call unconditionally, perhaps he wasn’t sure of what could happen if things got out of hand. Abraham the father of faith yielded to his wife’s awkward suggestion to have a child through her slave girl. John the Baptist after all the powerful sermons, chastisements, and signs and wonders that he performed, succumbed to the pressure of uncertainty when he was in prison and it appeared Jesus didn’t show any concern. Everyone at different times experiences despair but not everyone dances to its tune, or bows to its dictates.

The major characters in the above instances wavered in their faith because they probably considered the uncertainty of having a desirable result. These patriarchs would later have realized that what they thought was needful could never have superseded God’s original plan or intent. One very important thing in any choice-making situation is first to know that there can be only two options from which we choose -either the Right or the Wrong.  We also need to have it in mind that many “wrongs” can seem to be justifiable- but in any case “wrong” is “wrong”!!! A beautiful end does not and will never justify a wrong means. Not before the Almighty God!!!

A complicated situation becomes easier when one is sure of the right thing to do. Even though the right path might be a long difficult one, at least one problem is solved by knowing the right path to thread. The second challenge will now be the courage to do that which is right. It is indeed difficult to see any easier way out of a problem and yet choose to go through the difficult but right path. The three Hebrew men stood their ground even when they saw the seeming dead-end they were heading but still chose to stand for what they believed was right. It was clearly stated by them “even if our God does not save us, we will not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up”. Esther too knew well the implications of the step she was about to take, but she dared the circumstances and did what she considered right- saying “IF I PERISH I PERISH!”

How sorrowful it usually is at the end, when one denies the truth and takes the easier way out! The reproach is unbearable, feelings of cowardice and mediocrity never seem to leave one. Peter experienced this and wept bitterly when he denied Jesus even before the young slave girl. How insufferable that was. No matter how painful or burdensome the repercussions of standing right may be, there is still much joy and fulfillment deep in the sufferer's heart. James 1:2-4, 1 Cor.15:58 ... for in as much as you know that your labour is not in vain.

HOW THEN DO WE MUSTER UP COURAGE?

The courage to do the appropriate thing in any confusing situation comes through the knowledge of the One who lives in us. 2 Kings 6:17 shows how Elisha’s servant was terrified by the Syrians’ vast army but Elisha then prayed that the eyes of his servant be opened so that he might know how much more greater the army of the Lord with them was. Daniel 11:32 says those who know their God shall be strong and carry out great exploits. Caleb spoke up and quieted the Israelites when they were dismayed by the fear of the Amalekites, saying “we are well able to overcome”

Thirdly, we overcome by the knowledge of what it entails to break through. Knowledge brings light to almost any situation. We grope and walk slowly in the dark because we can’t see and we don’t want to get hurt, but at the entrance of light, bold steps and large strides are taken.  When we are knowledgeable and are full of the right instructions to carry out, we advance swiftly and colourfully without second-guessing ourselves.  We will pounce on any daunting situation and rip it apart like a hungry lion does a wandering lamb. There is nothing impossible anywhere except the one we permit to exist in our heads.  Prov.11:9 says“...through knowledge shall the just be delivered “.

Fourthly, we overcome by recalling the experiences of what God has done in the past: we overcome by the blood of the lamb and by the words of our Testimony. David refused to be discouraged by King Saul by telling him about how God helped him to save his father’s sheep from the claws and jaws of the lion and the bear. He said in 1Samuel 17:36-37 “Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear, and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, the Lord who delivered me out of the paw of the lion will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine”.

Finally, we need to develop the strength to resist or withstand intense pressure. This is one of the most potent tools the adversary uses to bring down a Christian and make him do what he would never have chosen to do. May we all receive the strength we need to keep standing in Jesus’ name.

Written by: Alalade Ayinla