Uncertain Circumstances

We think that the more spiritually mature we are, the more certainty we have about everything. Somehow, we have the idea that spiritual giants walk around in a serene bubble of certainty, in constant, peaceful contemplation of the victory at the end of the story. They don’t have to worry about waiting because their faith takes away all the pain, anxiety, and uncertainty.

But I think it’s often just the opposite: God’s most deeply committed servants are frequently the ones who live in the most uncertain circumstances. Do you really think that the apostle Paul wasn’t anxious to be rescued from the raging storm that was threatening each moment to sink the ship he was on? Do you think that Jesus Christ Himself wasn’t daunted by the prospect of the suffering of the cross and the uncertainties of undergoing death? (How many people do you know who have been in such an emotionally extreme place that they actually sweated blood? Jesus did!)

In fact, the way it really works is this: the more spiritually mature you are, the less certainty you require. And the less certainty you require, the more you are able to wait—even under extreme circumstances.

As a pastor I’ve spent many a long night in the hospital waiting room with families. The waiting room can be a scary place. You’ll never feel more utterly out of control than sitting there waiting to hear how a loved one is doing after an accident or following a surgery. There’s nothing you can do. Nothing— except just sit and wait.

I know it’s scary for some of you right now. Fear has gripped you because you feel like all you can do is wait…and wait… and then wait some more. But you can also know this: the closer you walk with God, the more content you are to simply keep your hand in His and allow Him to take you step-by-step along the path.