Do not be afraid, for I am with you. (Isa. 43:5)
In the mid 1990s, South Africa was going through an election that was expected to result in its first black African president. No one knew whether Nelson Mandela or Mangosuthu Buthelezi would win the election, but everyone knew it would lead to one of these black men taking leadership of the country. Many South Africans expressed fear that this would cause their once-prosperous country to head toward ruin. Wherever one went before the election took place, one could sense the turbulent waves of discontent and fear that had grabbed the hearts of many. Over and over I heard people say, “I am worried for this country!”
A week before the elections, many churches held services to pray. In one church, the tone of the meeting became very negative. One could sense the anxiety many possessed in the prayers that were lifted up. However, an older saint in the Lord brought things into proper perspective. She stood and stated, “I do not know whether Buthelezi or Mandela is going to win the election, but I do know this: I am still going to keep my eyes on Jesus Christ. The Bible tells me that I need not fear the future because God is with me and desires the best for me. This is a promise from God, and God never breaks His promise.”
Put your trust in God and His faithfulness during uncertain times.
Jim “Umfundisi” Lo is the author of Connect with God: The Purpose of Prayer(WPH).
