This is in reality an acrostic.

Volatility

Uncertainty

Complexity

Ambiguity

The term comes from the late 1980s to early 1990s with the fall of the former USSR. This term created to assist military leaders in dealing with uncertain and volatile times. It was a way of applying the leadership principles of Warren Bennis and Burt Nanus. The term originated in the War College. Regardless of how the name originated, it is apparent we are living in such days!

How are you handling these VUCA days? As I speak with leaders, angst and concern are palpable. How do we navigate the waters we are sailing? What should we do about….? How do we change what we are doing and go in a different direction? These and a host of questions are out there and they need answers.

Volatility. I do not need to draw a word picture for us to understand this word. The last few months have been a definition of the term. It seems the entire world is one lit match away from an explosion

Uncertainty. Trying to use the playbook from yesterday seems destined for irrelevancy.

Complexity. There is this constant feeling that years ago, maybe even a couple of months ago, things were more orderly. Patterns were easy to spot, and all packages were wrapped with a beautiful bow on top.

Ambiguity. There is a sense that no one knows what to do, and the demarcation lines do not seem as easily discernible.

Change is a part of life. To grow is to change, to become a Christ-follower is to be transformed. There have always been tough times in society, and all have lived in volatile times. Some changes are not just necessary but well overdue. No one really knows precisely what all of the steps are, but we must step forward and step forward together.

Jesus words in Matthew 18:3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Change is at the heart of our faith. This change is not just reform but a real change from the heart. As we get older, we get more set in our ways. We like what we like, and we do not much like having our lives disrupted. In case you have not noticed, disruption is the order of the day! As believers, this should not surprise us. We follow the one who was the ultimate disrupter! Jesus came to make all things new, beginning with you and me.

What did Jesus mean when he said we would not enter the Kingdom of Heaven unless we change and become like little children?

I need to be humble. I do not have all the answers and that is okay. Be open to learning from others.

I need to trust. I need to trust God and believe He is in control. When my life seems out of control is a very good time to lean on Him more.

Yes, the world seems quite volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous, Yet God is the God who is in control, His will cannot be thwarted and His plan will prevail. Hold on to His Hand. He will lead us through these uncertain times.

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