“Certain” and “Perhaps”

This year began with a terrible earthquake. It has caused awful damage and affected thelives of many. Depending on what a person fears, that person’s life perspective will change. Worrying about money, health, and daily life are things that everyone in this world experiences, but if we exercise the faith in Christ we have, turn our eyes to God, and walk with Him as our first priority, we will be free from anything of worry and anxiety.

The earthquake was a turning point in my life as well, for when the Hanshin Great Earthquake hit in 1995, I learned for certain that human happiness could be easily lost when the earth, which I thought was unshakable, is shaken for a few minutes. And then, I decided to dedicate my life to God and not to the world anymore. This decision was not because I was sure that if I lived a life dedicated to God, I would certainly become a pastor and live the life I do now. In fact, I believed in the certainty of God, but my faith was lukewarm at that time, so if God was really alive, I thought. He would use someone like me. That "perhaps" became "certain” today. Yes, certainly, God is the One who has been working and guiding all things, faithfully.

How much do you know about God's certainty? Have you forgotten God's certainty? When you are involved in a catastrophe such as a huge earthquake, a tragedy, or a war that is beyond your control, you realize how helpless and ineffective you are. Then you realize that you cannot survive without relying on the certainty of God.

How will you live this year? What seems certain in this world is actually not. Let's trust in the certainty of God, let's exercise our faith in Christ, even if it is only a "perhaps" and walk in dedication with a willing heart! Surely you will be blessed.

Pastor Takeshi