The Uncertainty About "What's Next"

It is surprising to interact with someone who is NOT feeling the pressure of what is happening in the world. Married couples, singles, young people, kids, older people, employed, unemployed and business owners are all feeling stress and anxiety. Uncertainty about “what’s next” is partially to blame for the stress and anxiety everyone is feeling.

I’m reminded of Paul’s words to “pastor” Timothy and the believers in his congregation who were under pressure, stress, and anxiety because of the culture of the Roman Empire and the difficulties of just surviving. “Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. … Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.” 2 Timothy 2:3-7 NIV

Those were tough words by the Apostle Paul 2,000 years ago, and they are tough today! No one wants to get up in the morning and say to themselves “get ready to suffer.” Trials, pressure, stress and anxiety is not on the “favorite” list of most people. We’d like to avoid trials, pressure, stress and anxiety “at all cost.” But, for servants of Jesus, that is not an option.

None of us should make it our mission to seek trials, pressure, stress, and anxiety, they will all come our way. Paul’s instruction to Timothy and the believers in his care was to respond to these situations, “like a good soldier” seeking “to please his commanding officer.”

Paul’s last line of instruction is foundational to pleasing our Commanding Officer. “Reflect (on the idea of suffering like a good soldier) for the Lord will give you insight.” If we reflect and ask our Commanding Officer for insight, He will provide it.