Gracious Uncertainty

April 29th, 2015 by Dave Leave a reply »

…it has not yet been revealed what we shall be… —1 John 3:2

Our natural inclination is to be so precise– trying always to forecast accurately what will happen next– that we look upon uncertainty as a bad thing. We think that we must reach some predetermined goal, but that is not the nature of the spiritual life. The nature of the spiritual life is that we are certain in our uncertainty. Consequently, we do not put down roots. Our common sense says, “Well, what if I were in that circumstance?” We cannot presume to see ourselves in any circumstance in which we have never been.

Certainty is the mark of the commonsense life– gracious uncertainty is the mark of the spiritual life. To be certain of God means that we are uncertain in all our ways, not knowing what tomorrow may bring. This is generally expressed with a sigh of sadness, but it should be an expression of breathless expectation. We are uncertain of the next step, but we are certain of God. As soon as we abandon ourselves to God and do the task He has placed closest to us, He begins to fill our lives with surprises. When we become simply a promoter or a defender of a particular belief, something within us dies. That is not believing God– it is only believing our belief about Him. Jesus said, “…unless you…become as little children…” (Matthew 18:3). The spiritual life is the life of a child. We are not uncertain of God, just uncertain of what He is going to do next. If our certainty is only in our beliefs, we develop a sense of self-righteousness, become overly critical, and are limited by the view that our beliefs are complete and settled. But when we have the right relationship with God, life is full of spontaneous, joyful uncertainty and expectancy. Jesus said, “…believe also in Me” (John 14:1), not, “Believe certain things about Me”. Leave everything to Him and it will be gloriously and graciously uncertain how He will come in– but you can be certain that He will come. Remain faithful to Him.

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Journal DJR
Good Morning Lord,
Certain in our uncertainty: Yes, I’ll have some of that! It sounds so right according to what you have been teaching us about not judging success of a thing by the apparent outcomes. And holding our dreams in an open palm. Certainty in our Uncertainty can co-exist with Curiosity, which you have been teaching us, is a valuable and “safe” place to park our restless minds. Curiosity about how you are going to work … not whether you will work. I realize that it is a lifetime project, learning to walk in this certain uncertainty and I embrace the journey. I feel I have elder brothers who have gone before, like Abraham, who set out for a new country, uncertain about where, but certain that you would lead. He was no doubt curious along the way. One question, that you could clarify please. How does this way of being interface with planning? Don’t I need to plan? And don’t my plans sometimes mess up that beautiful uncertainty? I’ve gotten so in love with my plans that I missed something better that you were bringing me.

Yes, you need to plan and Yes, you can serve your plan and love your plan too much. The metaphor you mentioned …holding your plans in an open palm is a picture of this. Plan mightily. But hold them in that open palm. Stay curious. Be ready to set them aside, if I show you a higher and better opportunity. Like the Good Samaritan. He had plans and was on his way, about his plans. But he saw a higher and stronger need so he peacefully set his plans aside for the moment and attended to the wounded traveller. Plan well. Like the ants who gather in the summer and have plenty for winter. And the king who counts the opposition’s forces before going to war. But dont grasp your plans so tightly that you miss what I’m doing. Curiosity about what I’m doing will help you hold the plans loosely enough to not miss the best when I send it your way.

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