Drop the “Un,” Hun!

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When I was ten years old, I couldn’t imagine where I would be at the age of thirty. In fact, thirty seemed so old to me that I had no clue what could be waiting for me at such an “elderly” age. Now that I’m thirty-six (which would be ancient to my ten-year-old self) I find myself shocked by how quickly time has passed, and I often wonder what my future will hold in another twenty or thirty years. What accomplishments or legacies will I share with this world? What type of family will my husband and I raise? What type of world will we live in? 

With so many discussions of us being in the “last days,” it can be a challenge to remain a light in such a bleak world. Discouragement may overshadow your days as you watch, or scroll, through the news, and some may even wonder if they should keep pressing forward in such a heavy and empty society. The world we’re living in is dealing with a daily dose of uncertainty, and for those of us who like to be in control of our “controllables” the uncertainty is uncomfortable, unsettling and unpleasant. But, if we look back on all of the times we’ve doubted what God can (and will) do, He’s taken our “un’s” and made them unbelievably divine. 

Simply put: God is in the “un”doing business. 

In Ecclesiastes 3:11, Paul writes: “He has set the right time for everything. He has given us a desire to know the future, but never gives us the satisfaction of fully understanding what He does.” 

Some key words I take from this scripture are the words “desire” and “satisfaction.” To  be satisfied is to be complacent, full, and pleased. Yet, to have a desire means you are active, and filled with an impulse to dream. If you’re like me, you may be asking, “Why would Paul place two words with opposing meanings in one scripture? But, I believe, God is illustrating how we should live during times of uncertainty – remain hopeful and hungry for your future, yet satisfied within your current season. Quite plainly, remaining in your “un” season distracts you from the promises God has in store for you each day and ahead.

Now, here’s a disclaimer: I’m not saying ignore what is happening around you – we have to be aware of our surroundings, but when the fear consumes you to the point where daily tasks leave you wondering if you’ll get to see your breakthrough, it’s time to drop the “un,” hun, and trust that God works best during seasons of extremity. 

Paul reminds us that we have to “forget what is behind” and do our best “to reach what is ahead” (Philippians 3:13), but to do this, we have to do what David said in Psalms,”I look to the mountains; where will my help come from? My help will come from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” (Psalms 121:11-12). We have to look ahead, knowing that though uncertainty is around us, we can’t be consumed with the “un.” 

What are you focused on? Do you have a desire and satisfaction to keep pressing forward, or are you going to allow the “un’s” to get in your way? 

My Prayer

Dear Lord, 

Thank you for believing in us to conquer another day. Help us to cast down fear and uncertainty by remembering what you have done for us in the past. We repent for believing we are in control of our own lives. Thank you for allowing us to have free will; because of this, we need you now more than ever as we don’t want to make a decision that excludes you. Thank you for your covering and protection during this season. We ask that you cover our spouses, family, and loved ones, as their light helps us to see you in a burdened world. Thank you for our future, and for reminding us that no matter what is happening around us, you still desire for us to have a purpose-filled life. In Jesus’ name. Amen