Because of what is going on right now in my life, this is a word that I needed. I found this on yesterday's devotional in Oswald's My Utmost For His Highest. It couldn't have been better timing. Because, I think I'm probably not the only one out there going through major time of transaction... thought it would be good to post it as encouragement.. for whomever needs.
". . . it has not yet been revealed what we shall be . . ."
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 will 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 surprise. When we become simply a promoter or 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 . . ."
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 right relationship with God, life is full of spontaneous, joyful uncertainty and expectancy. Jesus said, ". . . believe also in Me", not, "Believe certain things about Me". Leave everything to Him and it will be glorious and graciously uncertain how He will come in---but you can be certain He will come. Remain faithful to Him.
This has been encouraging to me. Yet, I must admit, taking a step out there hasn't come without doubt. I'm moving in way that is like, 51%-Faith versus 49%-fear. I don't know what these next few months will bring about, but I am doing my best to keep my heart focused on Him, and not the situation I'm in. My dependence can't be about how hard I work, trying to stay afloat in this economy, but upon His abilty to provide in what ways He sees fit. And the ways He does this may very well change on daily basis. But I am ready to see God move in miraculous way, ever changing daily. Life with God is adventuous to those who lean on Him, rather than seeking self-righteous, easy way out in comfort. Because as we all will learn, God will eventually break whatever plan we make out for our lives.
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