Diary of a Sinner

Life often feels like a hurricane, doesn’t it? We find ourselves in seasons where events unfold at breakneck speed, leaving us breathless and struggling to keep up. Whether it’s good news or bad, the rapid pace of change can be overwhelming. In these moments, it’s easy to feel lost, unsure of our footing in a world that seems to be spinning out of control.

But what if I told you that even in the midst of life’s storms, there is an anchor? A foundation so solid that no hurricane, no matter how fierce, can shake it? This anchor is found in the promises of God, revealed to us in the early days of the Christian church and still relevant to our lives today.

Let’s journey back to a pivotal moment in history, just after the resurrection of Jesus. The disciples, having spent 40 days with their risen Lord, find themselves at a crossroads. They’ve witnessed the impossible – their teacher, once dead, now alive and teaching them again. But as they gather one last time, Jesus is about to leave them once more. In this moment of uncertainty, He gives them – and us – three profound promises that can transform how we view our turbulent world.

1. God is in control

As the disciples eagerly ask Jesus if now is the time to restore the kingdom, His response is both challenging and comforting: “It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.” At first glance, this might seem disappointing. Don’t we all want to know what’s coming next? But there’s immense comfort in realizing that God, in His infinite wisdom and power, has everything under control.

Nothing in this world – from the grandest historical events to the smallest details of our personal lives – catches God by surprise. He has “fixed” all times and seasons. This means that even when life feels chaotic, there’s an underlying order and purpose to it all. Every moment, every struggle, every joy is part of a grand tapestry that God is weaving, all pointing towards the ultimate return of Christ.

2. God empowers His people

Jesus doesn’t leave His followers helpless in the face of their monumental task. He promises, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” This isn’t a suggestion or a possibility – it’s a guarantee.

The same Holy Spirit that empowered the early church is available to every believer today. This means that we’re never truly alone in our mission to represent Christ in the world. Whether we’re sharing our faith with a neighbor or navigating a difficult workplace situation, God’s Spirit is within us, providing the wisdom, courage, and strength we need.

It’s crucial to remember that our effectiveness doesn’t depend on our own eloquence or abilities. The Holy Spirit can work through our fumbling words and imperfect efforts. Our job is simply to be available and willing; God takes care of the results.

3. Jesus will return

As the disciples watch Jesus ascend into heaven, angels appear with a powerful promise: “This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” This assurance transforms their perspective entirely. Instead of mourning another loss, they return to Jerusalem “with great joy,” continually praising God in the temple.

The promise of Christ’s return gives us an eternal perspective on our current struggles. It reminds us that this world, with all its pain and imperfection, is not our final home. There’s a day coming when Jesus will return, making all things new and wiping away every tear. This hope doesn’t negate our present difficulties, but it does put them in proper context.

Living in Light of These Promises

So how do we apply these ancient promises to our modern, hurricane-like lives? Here are a few practical suggestions:

1. Cultivate trust in God’s sovereignty: When faced with uncertainty or chaos, remind yourself that God is in control. Nothing happening in your life or in the world at large is outside of His purview or beyond His power to redeem.

2. Lean into the Holy Spirit’s power: Start each day by acknowledging your dependence on God’s Spirit. Ask for His guidance, wisdom, and strength as you navigate your responsibilities and interactions.

3. Live with eternal perspective: Make decisions and set priorities based on what will matter in light of eternity. How can you invest your time, talents, and resources in ways that have lasting impact?

4. Be ready: Jesus could return at any moment. Live each day as if it might be the day you meet Him face to face. How would that change your attitudes, actions, and focus?

5. Find joy in the journey: The early disciples, even after Jesus’ ascension, were filled with joy and praise. We too can choose joy, knowing that God is with us and that our ultimate future is secure.

Life will always have its hurricanes. There will be seasons of upheaval, confusion, and rapid change. But as followers of Christ, we have an anchor that holds steady through every storm. God is in control. He has empowered us for the journey. And one day, Jesus will return to make all things right.

So take heart, weary traveler. The same God who guided the early church through persecution and uncertainty is with you today. His promises are just as true now as they were then. May you find peace, purpose, and unshakeable hope as you trust in Him.