Finding Peace When Life Is Uncertain: A Ten-Minute Turning Point

I was taking my cat, Tabasco, to the vet, unsure whether I would hear the news every pet parent dreads. Tabasco is over sixteen, and his kidneys are failing, a common problem in older cats. He refused to eat, and I wasn’t sure whether it was a sign the end was near or an unrelated, reversible issue.

During the ten-minute ride, I was tempted to wallow in sadness and anger, but I resisted (for once) and spent the time praising God, thanking him for Tabasco and everything else I could think of. Those ten minutes were a turning point and pulled me out of a dark place.

It turned out Tabasco had caught a cold, and with the right medication, his appetite came back. As I write these words, he’s still sashaying around my apartment, acting like he’s the king, but honestly, I don’t know how much longer.

I realize that an aging cat is a minor issue compared to the serious challenges many people face. Still, life is full of both big and small things that bring us happiness or sadness, and regardless of their importance, we need to learn how to handle them properly.

And this is where my ten-minute ride to the vet comes in—or, more precisely, my choice to rely on God when everything was uncertain.

Life is unpredictable, but God hasn’t left us to struggle through it alone. After all, the whole point of Christianity is to have a relationship with God, our Creator. Sure, I’ll never understand why he allowed evil to enter the world, creating a barrier between him and us, but he also provided the solution. His plan was simple, really—God became a man who paid the penalty for our sin so that we could be reconciled with him. All we have to do is repent and believe.

Having a relationship with God changes everything as we go through life with all our bumps and bruises. No matter what happens, he is close by to give us his strength, wisdom, and comfort. There are times when he miraculously removes a problem, but more often than not, he leads us through it and out the other end.

I don’t mean to imply that life with God is easy and simple. Most problems are complex, but I know one thing—the more God is part of the solution, the more effective the solution will be.

Like any relationship, there are ups and downs (from our perspective, not his). We may feel doubt, anger, sadness, and grief. He understands what we’re going through and knows exactly what we need, which is why he wants us to trust and follow him. Yes, I know. It’s easier said than done.

As I observe the world around me, I see so many people consumed by anger and anxiety. Mental health is at an all-time low. How God’s heart must ache! Especially since he knows he can help if only people would follow his ways. Yet he never forces himself on anyone. He has chosen to leave the decision to us.

Which brings me back to my ride to the vet.  Why was it such a turning point for me? The time I spent praising God reminded me of everything God had done for me and of the benefits of having a relationship with him. Even though I was sad and scared, I could also be joyful—as crazy as it sounds. The sadness remained, but my despair was gone.

I didn’t get bad news that day at the vet, but someday I will, not only about Tabasco. Yet I know God will be with me and sustain me. His presence makes all the difference.