Graciously Uncertain | Part 1: Certain of Uncertainty

(Read Gracioulsy Uncertain part 2 here)

Recently, I have been trying to figure out what is next for me. I have gone through a lot of changes in the past year or so of my life. Among them was ending a relationship with my girlfriend, whom I was with for four years, starting up a theology/discipleship course,  my family losing our house and having to relocate, and much more…but I can’t help but wonder what is next for my life. I know with absolute certainty that God is working all that has happened in the past year of my life for my benefit (Romans 8:28), but I can’t help but want to feel certain about my future. But then I read this from Oswald Chambers’ My Utmost For His Highest:

. . . 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.

It is so refreshing to hear from God specifically that I am where I’m supposed to be; I just need to become certain of my uncertainty. God needs room to have His way in our lives…if we try to become to “certain” with it (our life), we will begin to block out God’s plans for us. I thank God for this message He gave me today, and I just felt inclined to share it with you.

God knows what He is doing, so lets be certain about that. And as Oswald Chambers said, lets “remain faithful to Him.”

Do you struggle with wondering whats next? Do you have a story to share about becoming certain of uncertainty? Was this post helpful to you? If so, please take the time to share, it would be a great blessing! 🙂