Uncertain Times

Uncertain Times

The Reality of Uncertainty
It has become very apparent that there are many things in this world over which we have absolutely no control. A few weeks ago, life seemed fairly normal. We don't have to think back very far to remember what that felt like. But now, global chaos has emerged due to the coronavirus pandemic. Fear has gripped the hearts of many. Businesses have closed. The stock market is unstable. This isn't the first time our country or world has faced difficult times. I recently talked to my parents about the polio epidemic when they were very young. Their parents endured even greater devastation. Many uncertain times have affected the world, especially in modern history. Yet during these times, we often forget who is truly in control. We must remember that in the midst of great turmoil, our God reigns supreme. Jehovah is always in control. He is never confused. He never faces a situation where He doesn't know what to do. He has always been, and will always be, the ruler of our world. No circumstances, situations, or crises exist outside His rule.

God's Wisdom Surpasses Ours
We may not understand God's plan, but our role is to trust. In Romans 11:33, Paul writes: "Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!" His judgments are beyond our grasp. His ways are not our ways. Our job is to trust in Him.

God’s Sovereignty in Haggai’s Time
The Old Testament offers an illustration of God's control in the book of Haggai. Haggai was a prophet sent to Zerubbabel and the Jewish leaders who led the people back from Babylonian captivity. As they worked to rebuild Solomon's destroyed temple in Jerusalem, many were uncertain about the future. Haggai delivered God's message: "I am still in control." Haggai 2:20–23 records the word of the Lord coming to Haggai: "Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying: 'I will shake heaven and earth. I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms...'" God reminds us that He holds supreme authority. Though governments hold temporary power, Jehovah reigns above all.

The Power of God’s Word
Just as God spoke to Zerubbabel, we too learn His will through His Word. Hebrews 4:12 tells us: "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword..." Through scripture, we discern God's perfect and sovereign will. Psalm 135:5–6 reminds us: "Whatever the Lord pleases He does, in heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deep places." Nothing and no one can stop Him—not even Satan.

God Overrules All
Psalm 33:10–11 declares: "The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing... The counsel of the Lord stands forever." God uses nations and people to accomplish His purposes. He worked through Zerubbabel, and He works through His church today—even amid chaos. We must continue being the hands and feet of Jesus.

God’s Mighty Power Revealed
In Haggai 2:21–22, God says: "I will shake heaven and earth... I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms..." No matter how grim things appear, God's power never fails. Jeremiah 32:17 says: "Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power... There is nothing too hard for You." God used mighty power to establish His spiritual temple—the church. Haggai prophesied of a temple more glorious than Solomon’s. Hebrews 12 confirms that this spiritual temple is the unshakable church of Christ.

The Church: God’s Glorious Temple
God would cause the rise and fall of many kingdoms before establishing His eternal kingdom. Daniel 2:44 says: "In the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed..." That spiritual kingdom is the church—unshakable and eternal. Ephesians 2:14–18 speaks of the peace Jesus brought by breaking down the wall between Jew and Gentile, making peace through the cross. This is the peace God promised in Haggai 2:9.

Finding Peace in Uncertain Times
Though the world is uncertain, God is not surprised. Isaiah 48:3,5 affirms that God declares the end from the beginning. 1 John 3:20 says: "God knows all things." He is never caught off guard. We are not in control—He is. True peace and security are not found in science, government, or technology, but in Jesus Christ. John 16:33 says: "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." Peace is found in Jesus alone. To receive that peace, we must come to Him—believe, repent, and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins—and be added to His unshakable kingdom.

SERMON OUTLINE

Title: Uncertain Times

1. The World’s Chaos
   • Fear and confusion due to pandemics and crises
   • Polio, Spanish flu, COVID-19, etc.
2. God Is in Control
   • Romans 11:33 – Trusting God's wisdom
   • God is never confused or powerless
3. God’s Sovereignty in History
   • Haggai's prophecy to Zerubbabel
   • God shakes nations to fulfill His purpose
4. Power of the Word of God
   • Hebrews 4:12 – Living and powerful
   • Psalm 135 and Psalm 33 – God's authority
5. Rise and Fall of Kingdoms
   • Haggai 2; Daniel 2:44 – God's eternal kingdom
   • God's use of history to establish the church
6. Peace in Christ
   • Ephesians 2:14–18 – Breaking down divisions
   • True peace only found in Jesus (John 16:33)
7. God Knows All
   • Isaiah 48, 1 John 3:20 – Nothing surprises God
8. Our Response
   • Obey the gospel: faith, repentance, baptism
   • Be a faithful member of the unshakable kingdom

CALL TO ACTION

In these uncertain times, let us remember that while the world may change, our God does not. He remains sovereign, powerful, and full of mercy. Peace is only found in Jesus Christ. If you have not obeyed the gospel, now is the time. If you have drifted from God's Word, now is the time to return. Let us live faithfully, proclaiming that God's kingdom is unshakable and His promises are sure.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES

• Romans 11:33 – God's unsearchable wisdom
• Haggai 2:20–23 – God's message to Zerubbabel
• Hebrews 4:12 – Power of God’s Word
• Psalm 135:5–6 – God does what He pleases
• Psalm 33:10–11 – God overrules nations
• Jeremiah 32:17 – Nothing too hard for God
• Hebrews 12:25–29 – Unshakable kingdom
• Daniel 2:44 – Eternal kingdom of God
• Ephesians 2:14–18 – Peace in the church
• Isaiah 48:3,5 – God knows all things
• 1 John 3:20 – God knows everything
• John 16:33 – Peace is found in Christ

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

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