…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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