Recently I encountered a street sign: “Rough Road, Next 3 Miles.”  Immediately my car began to shake and bump.  I’m glad I know it’s only three miles, I thought, or I might turn around and go back.  Usually in life we don’t know the duration of a “rough patch.”  Often our struggles can seem endless.  Those who are unemployed, chronically ill, or living in war-torn areas do not know when they will find relief.  But in times of uncertainty, we can trust God’s sovereignty and love for us.

When I was a teen, my mother was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour and given only months to live.  One morning, facing another uncertain day, I prayed, “Lord, I can handle anything as long as I know when it will happen.”  Then I noticed a poster on my wall that pictured a young woman looking out a rain-covered window thinking, I’m afraid of tomorrow.  Below it was the outline of a hill with a cross, and the words, “Don’t worry.  I’ve been there before.”  I felt God’s peace as I realised that no matter how long the road ahead of us is or what the outcome will be, Jesus not only knows every trial we will face but has already walked that rough road before us and will see us through.

Prayer:  Dear Father, help us to know that even in the times of greatest uncertainty, we can be assured of your faithfulness.  Amen.