“There are known knowns; things we know that we know. There are known unknowns; things we know that we don’t know. But there are also unknown unknowns – things we do not know that we don’t know.” ~ Donald Rumsfeld
It didn’t happen overnight. But slowly and gradually, God’s freedom poured over me. It went from a small, quiet brook gently and peacefully trickling through the undisturbed rocks downstream, to a raging waterfall, powerfully channeling unfathomable amounts of water per second through this enormous transfer of power and energy of gravity and inertia.
The floodgates opened; I no longer felt obligated to know all the answers.
There are still many things I don’t know today. In fact, the older I get – the less I seem to know. But instead of wrestling with the uncertainty of what may lie ahead, I remember Joshua’s instruction to the Israelites as they camped on the outskirts of Jericho, reminding them of God’s promise:
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. ~ Joshua 1:9
God knows precisely what lies ahead. He will not give us all the details and the answers immediately. But He will provide us exactly what we need.
God knows that we’re ill equipped to handle every piece of information. He knows that our minds can only handle small drips and drabs of data, otherwise the computers in our mind would seize up completely and stop working. We would become so overwhelmed with fear and worry that we would no longer be able to function. We would become the proverbial dog chasing its tail.
So through that, God introduces obedience and unconditional faith.
Follow my lead. Listen to my instructions. I am the Light that guides you, slowly and gently. Stay behind me, don’t wander ahead. For with me you have everything you need. I will give you courage and strength. I will give you comfort and rest. Everything you need to know, I will reveal to you in due time. Just trust that I have your back. Everywhere you go, I go. You cannot escape my presence. You cannot escape my love for you.
Do we sincerely believe these truths about God? Is our trust in Him expressed through the way we handle trial and hardship? How we react to bad news or respond to the uncertainties that are sure to come in this life?
“His way is perfect. His word is flawless; he is a shield all who take refuge in Him.“ ~ 2 Samuel, 22:31
Friend, if you’re out in front of God today, let me encourage you to fall back behind Him. Let Him become the Light of your path as He leads the way.
Former Blackout Artist 