The Uncertainty Of Life

1958 was a challenging year in Cuba.  Revolutionary forces were active throughout the island nation while the ruling dictator, Fulgencio Batista, struggled to maintain control.  In spite of the underlying political tensions Havana continued to be the entertainment capital of the Caribbean.  Hotels, casinos and opulent shows were readily available just a few miles off of the southern coast of Florida.  New Year’s Eve 1958 probably began like many others – a night of celebration, entertainment and debauchery – but before the sun rose on the “Pearl of the Caribbean” the history of the Western Hemisphere was changed forever.  In the early morning hours of January 1, 1959 Batista fled Cuba and opened the door for Fidel Castro to come to power. 
I am fascinated by the history of Cuba, especially the first three quarters of the 20th Century; yet, this event is more than a historical fact, it also offers a spiritual warning:  Life Is Fluid.  It is easy (and natural) to grow comfortable with the way things are, but status quo is more of a myth than a reality.  We might like to believe that life demands uninterrupted continuity, but the truth is that change reigns supreme.  If you don’t believe me (or the Cubans) just ask thousands of people who woke up expecting September 11, 2001 to be just another day – or more poignantly, ask the families of those killed by the terrorist attacks.  How many of the people who attend a concert in Las Vegas on October 1 or those who went to worship at the First Baptist Church in Southerland Springs on November 5 expected those days to end the way they did? 
The goal of this article is not to depress us, rather it is to remind us.  It is natural to become complacent, but we cannot afford to operate in a false sense of security.  History is not the only thing that teaches us this lesson, Scripture reminds us:  “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.’ Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.” (James 4:13-14).
When we reflect on the uncertainty of life, we should be asking ourselves “Is there something that we need to do before we lose the chance to do it?”.   Are we secure in our relationship with God – are we certain of our eternal future?  Do we have goals or dreams that haven’t been achieved?  Has God given us talents that haven’t been utilized?  Are there relationships that need to be mended before it is too late?
Life is going to change!  Some changes can be anticipated, but others will be sudden and unexpected.  We may not be ready for them when they happen, but we must prepare for the impact they can have on us?

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