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Gracious Uncertainty
by Oswald Chambers
. . . 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 talk 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..." (Mathew
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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