As a pastor and a Christian, I've seen firsthand the challenges of living out our faith in a world that often seems hostile to our values. When chaos and uncertainty surround us, it's tempting to shrink back or compromise our convictions. But as Scripture reminds us, "courage is required for daunting tasks or challenges to which we are called" (Cornelius Van Til, The Defense of the Faith). This is where faith comes in – not just a feeling or a decision, but a deep trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when we can't see the outcome.
When our values are challenged, we must be vigilant in prayer for our brothers and sisters, and for ourselves. We need to seek God's guidance and strength, and to remember that our faith is not based on our successes or failures, but on the unshakeable truth of God's Word. As Hebrews 12:1-2 says, "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus." In other words, our eyes are fixed on Jesus, not on the challenges we face.
In times of uncertainty and doubt, it's easy to lose sight of our values and our faith. But as Christians, we must remember that our faith is a gift from God, a divine faith that is not based on our own strength or abilities, but on God's power and love. We must trust in Him, even when the road ahead seems unclear or daunting. As the psalmist says, "I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living" (Psalm 27:13). Our faith is not just about feeling good or being successful; it's about trusting in God's goodness and sovereignty, even when things don't go as we planned.