Message summary: A sobering reality is that in whatever happens in our lives the short-term outcome may not be what we would desire. 

Listen to our message on your audio player.

"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ" (Philippians 1:27).

For several years I have chosen an annual verse to serve as a Biblical anchor for my life. This year I chose our daily text and all this week our messages will be on "whatever happens".

When we read the stories in the Bible we often know the short-term outcome.

But at the time these and many other Bible characters went through their experience they did not know the short-term outcome. They obeyed God's commands as day by day they walked with Him by faith.

We also tend to remember remarkable stories such as those above that had a positive short-term outcome but we also need to consider those where the short-term outcome was not what they desired or had prayed for.

Today many of you are facing situations where you are still awaiting the short-term outcome. If you are not now it will likely be coming as the year progresses or in the future at some point.

A sobering reality is that in whatever happens in our lives the short-term outcome may not be what we would desire. That has been our personal experience on several matters in life. It's been the experience of many with whom we've had ministry and even as we write several come to mind.

The short-term outcome being uncertain and not as one might desire was the experience of scores of God's people all through the Bible and church history up till present. We rejoice in stories of deliverance but, in the providence of God, deliverance takes place in many forms.

So in light of the uncertainties and disappointments of short-term outcomes what is our assurance? That will be tomorrow's message.

B e encouraged today, Hebrews 3:13