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 does not believe God—it only believes 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.
