By Pastor Mark Moreno

How Am I Ever to Know?

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

The word “perhaps” is used to express uncertainty or possibility. This word can contain both promise and also worry! It’s also a catchy song by Doris Day (pictured).

In 2023, researchers at a leading medical institute announced a promising new treatment for a rare and previously incurable genetic disorder. The breakthrough came after years of extensive research, with scientists cautiously optimistic about its potential. While it’s still in the experimental stage, initial results suggest that the treatment could significantly improve the quality of life for patients.

Dr. Maria Lopez, leading the research team, emphasized cautious hope: “This is perhaps the most promising development we’ve seen in years. While we need more studies, there’s a real possibility that we might be on the verge of offering hope to patients who have had none before.”

For many people, “perhaps” may mean wishful thinking. It may mean something that will never come to pass. But for other people, it is a ray of hope to hold onto in an uncertain world. Which do you gravitate toward?

In Philemon, we read,

“Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, yet for love’s sake I prefer to appeal to you—I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner also for Christ Jesus—  I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment. (Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me.) I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart. I would have been glad to keep him with me, in order that he might serve me on your behalf during my imprisonment for the gospel,  but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord. For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, no longer as a bondservant but more than a bondservant, as a beloved brother—especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord”.
English Standard Version

In this context, “perhaps” offers a possible explanation in a tough situation. Maybe that is something you can relate to. Perhaps this happened because of that. Perhaps you can grow in this dynamic.

There is no “perhaps” when it comes to God’s love for you and the forgiveness that is your in Christ! That is a rock solid truth rooted in the very being and word of God. It isn’t uncertainty or possibility, it is certain and undeniable.

May that fill you with God’s peace this day as you live in a dynamic relationship with our Lord and the people He has placed in your life!

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado