Life is unpredictable, but God's love for us is steady

Ever feel like life is a crap shoot, and you wonder when you are going to roll snake eyes?

Life feels so arbitrary at times. None of us knows what is going to happen to us when we awaken in the morning. Will debris fall off the back of a truck, hit our vehicle and injure us? Will one of our children be grabbed by a stranger while playing outdoors? Will a doctor call and say there is a spot on the X-ray that needs more attention?

Each morning I pray that I have the wisdom and grace to handle whatever comes my way. Sometimes death seems as arbitrary as the person who draws the short stick.

Recently, there have been members of my congregation who have died unexpectedly. When people we know die before they get old, we wonder why. Death is easier to comprehend when one has lived a full life and dies at a ripe old age.

But when a child or an adult who is not yet of senior years dies, we question why these gentle souls were taken so soon. When one dies violently from the hands of another, we really question the sanity of our world.

While it is easy to focus on the downside of life's capricious nature, unpredictability works both ways. If we win the lottery, we do not complain. In fact, we think the gods are smiling on us whether we deserve it or not.

Rarely do we say, "Why me?" when the sun is shining (unless it is 98 degrees), or when our health is fine and our pantries are full. We accept our good fortune with grace and often for granted — as if we earned those blessings. But as soon as the tide changes, we start to whimper and question the wisdom of the universe.

When life feels so random and crazy-making, it is important to hold fast to that which does not change — God. Christian Scriptures tell us that nothing can separate us from the love of God. God promises to be with us during life, in death, in times of plenty and need.

None of us fully understands the ebb and flow of the universe, and constant change can render us immobile. But trusting in the Creator of the universe to make a way out of no way can help us keep our footing when life throws us an unexpected body blow.

We do our best to take our safety seriously and minimize uncertainty. We wear seat belts, have the best home-security system, buy medical and home-owners insurance, and still there is no guarantee of safety. In spite of our best efforts, we will experience loss. Disappointments will come our way.

When our backs are against the wall, we realize that things are not nearly as important as our health and our relationships. Which one of us would not give up all our treasured possessions just to receive one more hug from a loved one who has made their transition into eternity?

Why do bad things happen to good people? There is no easy answer. We live in a broken world with broken people. Those who are hurting often hurt others, intentionally and unintentionally. A better option is to trust God to heal our wounds. Trusting God calls for honesty, forgiveness, time and an open heart.

As I struggle with life's unpredictability, I am reminded that life is a gift we are granted moment by moment. The only moment we can really count on is now. I believe we should never miss an opportunity to show affection, say "thank you" and "I love you." It does not matter that your spouse, children, or friends know you care about them. They need to hear you say, "I love you."

Yes, life is uncertain, but there is no need to be fearful or to go it alone. A constant companion and comforter is just a prayer away. In the best of times and the worst of times, God promises to be our rock in a weary land and a shelter in the time of storm.

The Rev. Patricia L. Hunter is an associate in ministry at Mount Zion Baptist Church and an employee-benefits specialist for American Baptist Churches in the USA. She and other columnists take turns writing for the Faith & Values page. Readers may send feedback to faithpage@seattletimes.com