Christian Living Stories: Facing an Uncertain Future

The Luhya people of western Kenya have a saying about the uncertainties of future life. It goes, “Injila shiboolanga akali mwilia.” In English, that would be, “The path along which a bride walks does not tell her what is ahead of her.” The idea is to help brides come to terms with the certainty of future uncertainties.

A few months ago I attended a fabulous wedding, and it struck me that regardless of the expense and preparation that might go into the event, the new bride can never be fully sure of what lies ahead for her. Is it any wonder that her joy might be tempered with a certain degree of nervousness — or even fear?

Although the saying is aimed at new brides, it has an element of general application. None of us knows with certainty what lies ahead. And that is often a source of frustration, anxiety and worry. But a wise teacher from Nazareth advised: “Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.”

We worry because we do not know what is coming tomorrow. The Luhya saying can remind us that although the future is not ours to know, we can prepare ourselves to face it with confidence because Someone greater than we are has our future in his hands.

The new year is rapidly approaching. Are you worried about what it might have in store for you? Ask God for peace of heart. Come what may, we can trust him and know that he will take care of us.

Author: Kalengule Kaoma