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". . . 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 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.
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Daily Morning and Evening Devotionals by Spurgeon
Wisdom from the Desert Devotional
Daily Devotional with Oswald Chambers Archives
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