Making Sense of Difficult Times and Finding God’s Path Forward
In recent years, many of us have watched the world change in ways we never expected. From a global pandemic to political unrest, climate challenges, and deep divisions in our communities, life has been confusing and often overwhelming. As someone who loves the church and cares deeply about our country, I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on what all of this means from a spiritual perspective—and how we can find hope and clarity in the chaos.
Why Do Things Feel So Out of Control?
It’s easy to feel lost or frustrated when everything around us seems unstable. When COVID-19 hit, we faced not only a health crisis but also disagreements over what was right or safe to do. Many people, including Christians, struggled with decisions about vaccines and what “freedom” really means. The Bible teaches that we have choices, but not all choices are good for everyone (see 1 Corinthians 10:23-24). True freedom means considering not just ourselves, but also the well-being of others.
Beyond the pandemic, the world is grappling with huge challenges: climate change, poverty, political fighting, racism, violence, and more. It’s a lot for anyone to process. But the Bible reminds us that God sees everything, cares about nations, and is always watching over the world (Job 12:23, Psalm 66:7). Nothing escapes His notice—even when it feels like things are spinning out of control.
Why Knowing God’s Ways Matters Now More Than Ever
In times like these, it’s easy for people—even those in the church—to lose sight of God’s ways. Sometimes we substitute our own ideas or popular beliefs for what God actually says and wants. This isn’t a new problem. Even in the Bible, God said His people often “go astray in heart” and “have not known My ways” (Hebrews 3:10). It can be tempting to listen to teachings or ideas that make us feel good instead of seeking real, lasting truth (see 2 Timothy 4:3-4).
“For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” (2 Timothy 4:3-4)
God doesn’t want us to be confused or misled. Jesus used stories, called parables, to help people understand deeper truths about life and faith. But these stories only made sense to people who really wanted to know and follow God. Today, it’s important for us to pay attention, not just to what’s popular or easy, but to what God says is true and loving.
The Challenge for the Church Today
Right now, the church is at a crossroads. There’s a lot of noise and confusion, with different voices pulling us in opposite directions—sometimes even focusing more on politics or personalities than on Jesus and His teachings. Faith can’t rest on the wisdom or opinions of people; it must be grounded in the power and truth of God (1 Corinthians 2:5).
There’s a real risk that we start to replace God’s message with manmade ideas or philosophies. The Apostle Paul warned early Christians not to fall for “empty deception” or traditions that come from human thinking rather than Christ (see Colossians 2:8). In our day, this might look like Christian nationalism or putting our hope in politicians instead of God. But the Bible is clear: our trust shouldn’t be in any one person or leader, but in God alone.
What Should We Do?
So, how do we respond? Here are a few simple but powerful reminders:
· Stay Humble and Teachable: God leads those who are humble and open to learning (Psalm 25:9). Even when life is confusing, He promises to guide us step by step.
· Look for Faith, Hope, and Love: The Bible says that these three—faith, hope, and love—should mark our lives, and the greatest of these is love (1 Corinthians 13:13). In all we do, let’s choose love, even when it’s hard.
· Pray for Revival: Now more than ever, we need a spiritual awakening in our hearts, homes, and communities. When things seem dark, God can bring light and renewal.
· Listen for God’s Voice: God still speaks to those who listen. The Bible says, “Your ears will hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it’” (Isaiah 30:21). Even when we don’t have all the answers, God will show us the next step.
Final Thoughts
Life may feel uncertain, but God hasn’t changed. He’s the same yesterday, today, and forever. Even when we see only a small part of the big picture, we can trust that God is working for good and will never leave us. Let’s encourage each other to keep seeking His ways, loving others, and bringing hope to a world that desperately needs it.
Blessings to you all,
Minister A. Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 