One aspect of living in a developing nation is that there is a revolving door of expatriates. There are always people coming, always people going, always people in transition. While change is a universal experience, it seems to be magnified here.
For example, I was hanging out with several friends this weekend, and the majority of them will be either leaving the country soon because their term of service is up, or if they're staying they're transitioning jobs. For me, my uncertainties revolved around whether or not I can carry out my upcoming research project with the excellence that is expected, and also the uncertainties that lie beyond some imminent certainties. I know my life will be changing soon...that's certain. What will come after those changes....I don't know!!
So, in the midst of our conversation about how change is never easy, especially when the immediate specifics of the future seem so uncertain, I excused myself to use the restroom and found the following excerpt from Oswald Chambers posted next to the bathroom mirror:
THE GRACIOUSNESS OF UNCERTAINTY
"It doth not yet appear what we shall be." 1 John 3:2
Naturally, we are inclined to be so mathematical and calculating that we look upon uncertainty as a bad thing. We imagine that we have to reach some end, but that is not the nature of spiritual life. The nature of spiritual life is that we are certain in our uncertainty, consequently we do not make our nests anywhere. Common sense says - "Well, supposing I were in that condition . . ." We cannot suppose ourselves in any condition we have never been in.
Certainty is the mark of the common-sense life: gracious uncertainty is the mark of the spiritual life. To be certain of God means that we are uncertain in all our ways, we do not know what a day may bring forth. This is generally said with a sigh of sadness, it should be rather an expression of breathless expectation. We are uncertain of the next step, but we are certain of God. Immediately we abandon to God, and do the duty that lies nearest, He packs our life with surprises all the time.
When we become advocates of a creed, something dies; we do not believe God, we only believe our belief about Him. Jesus said, "Except ye become as little children." Spiritual life is the life of a child. We are not uncertain of God, but uncertain of what He is going to do next. If we are only certain in our beliefs, we get dignified and severe and have the ban of finality about our views; but when we are rightly related to God, life is full of spontaneous, joyful uncertainty and expectancy.
"Believe also in Me," said Jesus, not - "Believe certain things about Me." Leave the whole thing to Him, it is gloriously uncertain how He will come in, but He will come. Remain loyal to Him.
(Me again.) Now, that is just like God to put His two cents into a casual evening conversation between friends. :) They were definitely words of wisdom and also comfort. When I re-joined the conversation out in the living room, I mentioned the restroom revelation to the group, and the girl whose home it was (and who had posted it in her bathroom) went and got Chambers' book, My Utmost for His Highest, to read the passage to everyone.
"To be certain of God means that we are uncertain in all our ways..." What do you think?
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5 comments:
That's an interesting thought to ponder. I think that God has given us the ability to strategize and to be co-authors of our destinies and life directions with Him. On the other hand, when we live in surrender to Him and His will, sometimes that means waiting through periods of uncertainty. It seems like there are 2 things at play all at once.
Thanks for making me think. Good stuff.
I am dealing with uncertianty even today! Thanks for sharing that insight.
I love reading your thoughts...I am reminded that without those moments of uncertainty we would never have to really trust and lean on God. Good stuff! :)
Great post. I'm going through a TON of change and transition right now and a lot of uncertainty about the future. Thanks for giving me something to think about.
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