Word for Today - 5 March 2025
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“My ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.” Isaiah 55:8 NLT
Embracing uncertainty and following God
A part of us feels as if something is spiritually wrong with us when we experience uncertainty. But that is precisely what Jesus promised us when we are born of the Spirit and start following Him. “The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit” (John 3:8 NLT). When it comes to being led by God’s Spirit, the operative phrase is “You can’t explain how.” Even when you have given your best thinking to the problem, the Bible says, “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine” (Isaiah 55:8 NLT). So, when you follow God, anything can happen. You never know who you will meet, where you will go, or what you will do. And the sooner you come to terms with that spiritual reality, the more you will enjoy the journey. To do otherwise is to end up with a self-absorbed spirituality that leaves you feeling empty. Instead of following the Spirit, you’re inviting the Spirit to follow you. Instead of serving God’s purposes, you want Him to serve your purposes. While this may seem like a subtle distinction, it makes an ocean of difference. Here are your choices: (1) Follow the path of certainty, which keeps you in control but robs you of the adventure God has in mind. (2) Accept the uncertainty of the “how” and “when” that comes from following God, and stand on this promise: “Great is Your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:23 NKJV).
Embracing uncertainty and following God
A part of us feels as if something is spiritually wrong with us when we experience uncertainty. But that is precisely what Jesus promised us when we are born of the Spirit and start following Him. “The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit” (John 3:8 NLT). When it comes to being led by God’s Spirit, the operative phrase is “You can’t explain how.” Even when you have given your best thinking to the problem, the Bible says, “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine” (Isaiah 55:8 NLT). So, when you follow God, anything can happen. You never know who you will meet, where you will go, or what you will do. And the sooner you come to terms with that spiritual reality, the more you will enjoy the journey. To do otherwise is to end up with a self-absorbed spirituality that leaves you feeling empty. Instead of following the Spirit, you’re inviting the Spirit to follow you. Instead of serving God’s purposes, you want Him to serve your purposes. While this may seem like a subtle distinction, it makes an ocean of difference. Here are your choices: (1) Follow the path of certainty, which keeps you in control but robs you of the adventure God has in mind. (2) Accept the uncertainty of the “how” and “when” that comes from following God, and stand on this promise: “Great is Your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:23 NKJV).