Oswald Chambers Devotional for April 29th
-The Graciousness of Uncertainty-
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 the 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.
