The Blessing of Uncertainty

“Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God…”
1 John 3:21


I remember vividly the pressure of wondering what I would do after I graduated college. After all, this was the big question I was spending four or more years of my life trying to figure out, right? One of the toughest things about deciding on a career path or a place to live or any other is that there is no definite answer from the Scripture for where we should go or what we should do. These types of decisions are what I call non-ethical decisions. They are choices that do not violate God’s moral law, nor are their answers found written in a book. An example of clear direction in the Bible would be, “Do not get drunk on wine.” We know with certainty that we should not get drunk. In a few cases, God gives us a clear leading in a particular direction, and we know that we should pray for a particular person or take a particular course of action. Most of the time, however, our decisions seem more subjective. It is in the midst of these times when God teaches us vital lessons about building character and trusting in Him.

The quote above from 1 John can help us during times of non-ethical decisions. If we are pursuing God’s will in areas of clearly revealed truth, he will help us have confidence in more subjective matters. I am becoming more convinced that times in which we lack clear direction can actually be times of blessing. How? It is because in these times God teaches us to depend on him. He might want us to learn to cling more to His promises or to straighten out some part of our character that needs straightening. While we are wondering what we are to do, God is focused on who we should be or the strength of our trust in Him. Whatever the case may be, we can lean on His promise that He works ALL THINGS, every large or small situation, for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28).

Having laid this foundation, I want to pose a question that addresses the second part of 1 John 3:21: Do we have confidence that we are being obedient to God? If so, God will listen and answer our prayers because we are obedient to the Lord and are doing what pleases Him. We can then have confidence to walk through a door that He opens. What if we still lack confidence? It is one thing to know about God’s promises; it is another thing to truly lean on them. During times when I don’t sense clear direction from the Lord, He is giving me an opportunity to exercise faith. He is also giving me the opportunity to experience the victory and rest that comes from having faith in Him even when circumstances are uncertain. It is tempting to immediately ask God for clarity when sometimes we should be asking to have our faith strengthened or to endure the present trial rejoicing! Such a reaction to difficult times is a testimony to God’s grace in our lives. Moreover, it is a testament to the hope we have not in building the home of the American Dream, but living for the dwelling we will have for all eternity.

In retrospect, I think it is funny that I thought I had to have my whole life planned out after I graduated. Coming from someone who has passed through to the other side, I can say that I still don’t have my life completely figured out! (Nor does anyone else I know). Oswald Chambers, author of the beloved devotional book, My Utmost for His Highest, says in one of his talks, “One of the difficulties in Christian work is this question—‘What do you expect to do?’ You do not know what you are going to do; the only thing you know is that God knows what He is doing.” As this quote illustrates, it is okay for me to not know because the Lord is behind me, working every detail of my life for my good and His glory. I still have “big” decisions to make about my future and am not completely certain at this point of which road to take. I would like to extend a personal invitation to those of you facing similar decisions: Would you join me in trusting and rejoicing in the Lord as He leads us step by step?

Robbie Hooper, College Intern