Finding Hope in the Midst of Chaos: Jesus, Our Unchanging Solace

As I sit here, reflecting on the last few years of my life, I can't help but feel a sense of frustration and helplessness. My body has developed a strange relationship with food, where it seems to react negatively to many things I consume. It's like I'm being poisoned by the very things that are meant to nourish me. The worst part is, I don't even know which foods are causing these reactions or how much of it is harmful. It's a constant battle of trying to find relief from the pain and discomfort that follows each reaction.

In my quest for answers, I have tried countless medications and remedies. My cabinet is now filled with plastic bottles, each with its own label and promises of relief. But unfortunately, none of them have provided the lasting solution I desperately seek. It's as if all the king's horses and all the king's men, along with every medical specialist and holistic remedy out there, are unable to fix my broken digestive system.

In moments of intense pain and discomfort, I can't help but wonder if there is something seriously wrong with me. The fear of the unknown looms over me, and I often find myself questioning if I might be facing a life-threatening condition. I feel like Humpty Dumpty, shattered and broken, with no one able to put me back together again.

But amidst the chaos and uncertainty, I find solace in the words of Jared Wilson. He beautifully captures the essence of what it means to be broken yet still loved by God. He understands the struggle of letting go and allowing Jesus to catch us when we feel like we're falling apart.

Wilson writes, "I have a problem with all the 'chase your dreams!' cheerleading from Christian leaders. It’s not because I begrudge people who want to achieve their dreams, but because I think we don’t readily see how easy it is to conflate our dream-chasing with God’s will in Christ."

These words resonate with me deeply. It's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of our own dreams and desires, often forgetting to align them with God's plan for our lives. We may overlook the possibility that God's plan for us may involve littleness and personal failure. We may fail to recognize that when a door closes, it may not be because another, better opportunity is waiting for us. Sometimes, that closed door is meant to be the end of the road, and we must learn to find contentment and fulfillment in Christ alone.

The concept of "decreasing" is beautifully exemplified in the life of John the Baptist. He understood that his role was to prepare the way for Jesus, and he willingly stepped aside to let Jesus take center stage. In John 3:30, he says, "He must increase, but I must decrease." John embraced the idea of littleness, recognizing that his purpose was to point others to the greatness of Jesus.

But John's story takes a tragic turn. He found himself imprisoned by King Herod, and instead of being released, he was ultimately executed (Matthew 14:1-12). In the midst of his suffering, doubt began to creep in. John sent messengers to Jesus, asking if he was indeed the Messiah or if they should look for someone else (Matthew 11:1-3). The difficult circumstances in John's life acted as poison, leading him towards disillusionment and questioning the very nature of Jesus' identity.

In moments of despair, we can relate to John's struggle. When we face hardships and closed doors, it's natural to question if Jesus is truly enough for us. We may wonder why God allows us to suffer and why He doesn't intervene to make our lives easier. But the truth is, even in our darkest moments, Jesus remains constant. He is still Jesus, regardless of our circumstances.

The apostle Paul experienced his fair share of difficulties as well. He pleaded with God to remove his thorn in the flesh, but God responded, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9). God reminded Paul that He would uphold him with His righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10). In our weakness, we can find strength in Jesus, knowing that His grace is enough to sustain us through every trial and tribulation.

Perhaps you are facing your own set of challenges right now. Maybe you're dealing with an illness, the loss of a job, or a broken relationship. In those moments, it can be difficult to see beyond the pain and uncertainty. But I want to encourage you that Jesus is still enough. He sees your struggles, and He loves you dearly. Even if you don't understand the purpose behind your suffering, know that it is not in vain. Your afflictions are preparing for you an eternal weight of glory beyond compare (2 Corinthians 4:17).

In conclusion, life can be filled with unexpected challenges and disappointments. We may find ourselves in situations where it feels like everything is falling apart, and no solution is in sight. But in those moments, we can find hope and comfort in the unchanging love of Jesus. He is enough to sustain us through every trial, to provide peace in the midst of chaos, and to give us strength when we feel weak. So, when the doors close and the windows remain shut, remember that Jesus is still with you, and He will never leave you nor forsake you.