Breathless Uncertainty

Some things have changed in my life recently. I've been feeling like I need to move in another direction with work. Since I'm self-employed, that's a bit scary. But things came to a head last week when my ancient computer crashed. The timing couldn't have been more perfect -- depending on how you look at it.

First, it left my main (and sometimes only) client in a tight spot which may negatively impact the future of our working relationship. Then from a financial standpoint, I had no funds to repair my computer, let alone replace it. So I was pretty much at a standstill.

But this has given me the opportunity to re-evaluate things. I've been doing a lot of praying and seeking guidance. At this point, things are still very uncertain. It's like looking through mist -- things are still hazy and shrouded. But it's also kind of exciting.

I came across this quote by Oswald Chambers in "My Utmost for His Highest." It was just what I needed to hear:

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.

P.S. God provided a new computer for me! It's arriving on Monday. (Lord, You're just so good!)