I can think of many catastrophes in the vast realm of Sci-Fi where our beloved characters grapple with the
palpable feeling of uncertainty. Just like Captain Janeway, who faced it from the very first episode when
she made the harrowing choice to destroy the caretaker, altering the course back to the Alpha Quadrant.
Then there's Captain Sisko, haunted by uncertainty after the Battle of Wolf 359, leaving him to raise his
young son alone. And who can forget Senator Padmé Amidala as she witnessed the Republic crumble
under the weight of greed? Even wise Masters Obi-Wan and Yoda felt the echoes of uncertainty as they
endeavored to thwart the rise of evil that cast its shadow over the galaxy. This cosmic uncertainty extends
to many other beloved characters, some etched in memory and others forgotten in the vast expanse of space.
Are you cowering in fear at the thought of the mysterious "What's Next"? It's a sentiment that resonates with many, as some grapple with the notion of an uncertain aftermath of a global pandemic, envisioning the worst possible outcomes. Others find themselves caught in the limbo of indecision, unsure of how to navigate the abyss of that unknown. Yet, there are those valiant souls who definitely confront the future head-on, firmly believing in their ability to triumph over whatever challenges it may throw their way.
Amidst this turbulent landscape, let's weave in some contemporary tales that mirror the spirit of our times.
Imagine a family emerging from the cocoon of quarantine, having spent over 40 days, and nearly a year of uncertainty hanging over them. The "What's Next" looming in their minds must have been suffused with questions about the fate of the Earth. Will it ever reclaim its pre-pandemic vibrancy and glory? Can we return to the normalcy we once knew? Despite the enormity of these questions, there's an electrifying thrill to the scary unknown. We do know that the world was forever changed, and their "What's Next" led them to praise God for protecting them through the flood, with a promise never to destroy the Earth again in that way because of humanity. Envision the awe that swept over them as they stood in a world scarred by a global disaster, and as the first rainbow graces the skies. It's a moment that transcends the wreckage, a vivid symbol of hope and renewal emerging after the storm.
Now, let's fast-forward to the present, where echoes of uncertainty resonate with bands of individuals navigating a post-COVID world. Much like the eleven men from two millennia ago, we too face the unknown after a period of upheaval. Lives were upended, plans disrupted, and the future cast into doubt. The optimism and excitement once surrounding our pre-pandemic world have given way to an uncertain future, leaving us to wonder if things will ever return to normal or if a new normal will emerge.
These men, who followed Christ, only truly grasped the essence of "What's Next" on that miraculous morning when Jesus rose from the dead. Even then, clarity might not have fully dawned upon them. What they did know was that their "What's Next" involved spreading the truth about what God had accomplished.
We are all grappling with the uncertainty of "What's Next"? but don't let these moments slip through your fingers. Recognize that there's a purpose in the present, a purpose that might just guide you through the veiled paths of the future. Perhaps your "What's Next" is to discover the saving grace of Christ. Maybe it's as simple as expressing gratitude or offering praise.
In this tapestry of the unknown, intertwine the threads of purpose and possibility. Embrace the mystery, for within it lies the potential for profound fulfillment and understanding in a world forever changed by the tumultuous tides of the pandemic.
