A game of Consequences

Spiritual reflection to start the day with writer and broadcaster, Fiona Stewart.
Script:
Good morning.
Margaret Atwood, in her novel The Blind Assassin, writes:

“If you knew what was going to happen, if you knew everything that was going to happen next—if you knew in advance the consequences of your own actions—you'd be doomed.”

It seems to me rather a gloomy summary of the human condition, and it reminds me of the words of the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes, where the writer instructs his readers that there is:

a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,

a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,

a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

We cannot predict what lies ahead for us as individuals, or as a community at large, but we can learn to read the signs of the times, and to make wise choices in response. Much of what we encounter in life sits outside of our control, be that in the political, relational or environmental realm, but these words remind us to face any eventuality with courage and hope.

Our actions have consequences, and those actions can lead to heartbreak and hurt. However, the good news of the death and resurrection of Jesus points to the means by which we can be set free from the crushing consequences of our actions. In Him there is hope and peace whatever lies ahead.

Lord God
Thank you for the good news that Jesus is there to save us from the consequences of our wrongdoing. Help us to be people who find hope and peace in times of uncertainty and conflict. In his name we pray. Amen