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Rev. Charles Burton reflects on the blessings of Christian faith when dealing with anxiety around uncertainty and lack of control.
How often our lives seem to be put on hold either waiting/anticipating the results and outcomes from exams, applications, test results or medical treatment to determine our next steps. It’s often others’ decisions or choices that impact on us whether we’re dependant on family, friends or neighbours to help us move on with our lives.
We seem to be in that phase just now, as our sons reach the end of their school and college journey with the associated final deadlines of pieces of work and written exams. It’s that feeling of not knowing the outcome, hoping and praying for the best results and wondering where we will be this time next year.
Uncertainty is a Given
As much as you may want to; it’s hard to carry on as normal, making plans while still feeling in limbo. Of course where we are now as a nation and world order, many travel plans can seem just as uncertain in the midst of the current fuel crisis and unease internationally.
Jesus’ disciples had many such moments: …was He really the chosen one – the Messiah of Israel? …when would His predictions about the demise of the temple take place? …were the reports of Him being raised to new life really true? …when would He return as He said He would?
A verse that helps me be at peace and keep a right sense of perspective and hope for our future is from the book of Matthew:
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
Matthew 24: 36
My and our attitude should be to leave our worries and fears in God’s hands as we prayerfully, trustingly get on with living our lives as God would want us to do knowing that He has the times and seasons in His powerful hands and us if we will let Him.
God’s peace and hope be yours this summer season.
Rev Charles Burton
Published in the June 2026 edition of the Parish magazines.
You can order Parish magazines, which contain additional articles, by visiting All Saints or Christ Church
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