Over the past six months or so, there have been many uncertainties in my life. There have probably been many uncertainties in most lives this year, for we are living in a time of a pandemic. Besides currently living through a pandemic, uncertainty surrounds us. Uncertainty, especially right now, has felt very overwhelming... stressful... and suffocating. 

Three weeks ago I started school and it was very unclear on how everything was going to look. I am finally in my last semester of receiving my associates degree and things could not have been anymore straining. Many of you do not know, but I have been working a full time job this summer as a server. As summer came to a close, it was very confusing on which days I would be able to work and which days I would have to focus on school. It did not become evident to me until this week how difficult it is to juggle being a full time student with a job that requires busy late nights, fundraising, and preparing for training camp next month. Of course I also have to have a social life right? See my friends? Spend quality time with my family? Honestly... I have not had much time for anything outside of work and school. August and September have been full of surprises and many uncertain events. Unfortunately, I have had to cut my hours down at work tremendously just to keep my head above water for my academic career. Learning two studio art classes online is most definitely a challenge I did not expect. Not only have I struggled not to drown in the stress I am surrounded by, but I have not been pursuing Christ like I should be everyday. 

It is already difficult isn't it? To boldly proclaim Christ every day without fail, to meditate on scripture every morning, or to have a consistent hope in the Lord? We are sinful beings, it is in our nature but we have been told in Gods word to remain steadfast in Him during the worst of the worst. James 1:12 "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him." Our UNCERTAINTY is made CERTAIN in Christ Jesus. God is our provider, creator, leader, friend, father, path paver, and so much more. Why was I so far from God I asked? Because I did not turn towards God when I was stressed, but rather I turned away towards worldly desires. I took it upon myself to fix things that I could not fix. I felt heavy when only God can give me rest in my mind, body, and soul. 

The only certain thing in this uncertain life is God. I am uncertain we will be launching in January, but I am certain that God has called me to this and He has a plan. God is refreshing and He took our burdens to the cross. In Matthew 11:28 it says "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Every outcome is known to God. 

Through faith we can have peace. Romans 5:3-5 states "Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."