Y2K

Do you remember the Y2K scare? For those who are too young to remember, Y2K was the possibility that the world as we knew it was going to end because computers that could handle multi-million computations a second could not figure out how to go from the year 1999 to 2000.

I don’t know why people brilliant enough to create and code computers in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s were not smart enough to realize that the calendar would get to the year 2000 one day. But, the majority of the fears proved to be unfounded or easily handled. The Y2K scare was less a scare and more a bust, thankfully.

But what if the world had changed that day? What if the instability of the uncertain led to terrorist groups wreaking havoc throughout the world anywhere they could? What if the economy was shaken to the point that even though the talking heads of the news channels said things were doing fine, it just didn’t feel like a lot of trust could be placed in the economic future? What if the political environment spiraled into a crazy, if not ludicrous, debate about the insignificant while the important topics went undiscussed? What if the world seemed downright unpredictable? To me, it would look a whole lot like it does today.

If this is true, then what are we to do in a world like that? How do we go into a new year like this? Here is what I would suggest:

First, trust God. He is still in control. He is not asleep or on vacation. His plan is unfolding.

Second, make a difference for good. God has you in this place at this time for a reason. Let Him use you to make a positive impact on those around you at work and at home.

Third, press on to what God calls you to and leave the rest to Him. Obedience to His direction will make you useful for His purposes for you.

God’s Word says: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

So much of what is going on around us is out of our control. It will do us no good to worry about those things that we have no ability to change. Trusting God with those things will get better results and will preserve our sanity.

In the chaos and uncertainty swirling everywhere around us, faith and peace provide a stark contrast. This gives more opportunity for followers of Jesus to shine His light, speak of the hope found in Christ, and point others to Jesus.

As we go into 2016, is the world crazy? No doubt. But our God is still able. Let’s trust Him. Let’s serve and love others. And, let’s walk in obedience so that we will be useful to Him. Here comes 2016! Happy New Year!