Things don’t always happen according to our plans. We like to make plans for things, but that does not mean they will occur according to our wishes. I remember a couple that went through pre-marital counseling with me the last year I served in full-time ministry. Everything was going well. Their wedding was planned for March 28, 2020 — two weeks after the lockdown/shutdown because of Covid-19. Their wedding venue cancelled. The big celebration they planned with their friends and family could not take place. But they went ahead with the wedding. I officiated in the back yard of the bride’s parent’s house with their family members present. They spoke their vows of faithfulness to each other and we asked God’s blessing on their union. Two years later they had a reception celebrating their marriage and all for their friends and family were able to come!

We all have things we have to deal with in our lives every day. We live in a sinful world, and we will have trouble. Our attitude and our focus will determine how we deal with these difficulties, whether we will mope and complain or remember who is in control and roll with the punches.

While some things are always changing in our lives, some things remain constant. God’s grace is one of those things that does not change. We live in that undeserved kindness that God has showered down on us in Christ Jesus. That is our assurance and confidence.

Paul expressed this confidence to Timothy in his second letter to that young pastor.

2 Timothy 4:6–8 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

God has led us to faith in Jesus, the one who opened heaven for all people through His work of redemption. He bought us back from sin and death to give us the certainty of forgiveness and life and salvation. We have a crown of righteousness in store for us for Jesus’ sake, no matter what this world throws at us.

We need to keep that faith.

Oh, for a faith that will not shrink Tho’ pressed by many a foe;
That will not tremble on the brink Of poverty or woe;

That will not murmur nor complain Beneath the chast’ning rod,
But in the hour of grief or pain Can lean upon its God;

A faith that shines more bright and clear When tempests rage without;
That, when in danger, knows no fear, In darkness feels no doubt;

That bears unmoved the world’s dread frown Nor heeds its scornful smile;
That sin’s wild ocean cannot drown Nor Satan’s arts beguile;

A faith that keeps the narrow way Till life’s last spark is fle
And with a pure and heavenly ray Lights up the dying bed.

Lord, give us such a faith as this; And then, whate’er may come,
We’ll taste e’en now the hallowed bliss Of an eternal home.

The Lutheran Hymnal #396