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EW 
Ellie Williams

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” Hebrews 11:1

For anyone who doesn't know me from before, I've been away for the last 4 years studying Maths and Computer Science. From the outside, Maths seems very black and white, like things are true or untrue and nothing else. That idea of absolute truth sounds quite comforting and lacking clarity can feel uncomfortable. Some think that the fact we can't prove that God exists means we shouldn't believe in Him. The current lack of understanding of Coronavirus and how it can be transmitted makes us afraid and it's easy to feel overwhelmed by all the competing 'facts' and science.

It makes me think of a friend who told me he wanted to get a tattoo of Godel's Incompleteness Theorems. I like Maths but a Maths tattoo sounds bizarre even to me. Godel's Incompleteness Theorems say that any complicated enough system of mathematical rules has some statement which we can't prove is true or untrue. My friend’s interpretation was that there were always going to be things that we can't know and it helps him to feel calm when he is worried about the unknown.

Taking his lead, I have a couple of alternative messages from Godel. Firstly, we get so caught up on whether we can prove things about God but if we’re okay with not being able to prove everything in Maths then I reckon we can feel okay with God’s non-provability too. After all, I can't prove I love my family but I think they believe me! Secondly, if we always aim to feel in control we are often going to feel powerless - we just have to try our best within what we know and act with love and grace! I hope that can be of comfort to you too as we begin to move into this 'new normal' and navigate the unknown more than ever.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you that when we are afraid we can put our trust in you and be guided by your goodness and grace. Help us to hear your voice in the chaos and confusion. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Prayer Request: For calmness and peace for anyone who is facing uncertainty at the moment, particularly students starting new stages of education at school and university.