In a recent conversation with Hannah Anderson, Hannah shared an idea that I can't get off my mind.
"Not knowing the future is often terrifying. But not knowing the future also means we don't know the ways God is going to bless us." — Hannah Anderson
Hannah drew this conclusion from Ecclesiastes 11:5-6:
"As you do not know the way the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything. In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand, for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good."
Hannah's advice is simple yet so complex in practice:
"Because the future is unknown, you should actually open yourself up to the ways in which God would bless you." — Hannah Anderson
What would we be like if we viewed uncertainty this way?
Yet we must reckon with at least two obstacles before entering this kind of hopeful trust.
Obstacle #1 — a Scarcity Mindset
The above posture toward God and his world requires an abundance mindset. We must believe that God is a good Father who loves to shower good gifts on his children (Psalm 145:9; Matthew 7:11; James 1:17).
Yet, for many of us, we live with a scarcity mindset.
Uncertainty will reveal which you lean toward — if you deep down believe God's posture is open hands full of abundant blessings or a cold shoulder.
Obstacle #2 — A Skewed view of Security
We think we'll feel more secure if we know the future, but we won't. God is gracious not to reveal too much too fast.
A big part of the work I do with spiritual direction is helping people discern Jesus' invitations and their response to Him (willingness or resistance).
Invitations demand a response.
God is gracious not to show us the future. He invites us to the next step of our journey when we're ready and can respond to him.
Knowing the future wouldn't make us feel secure but more overwhelmed. We find true security in God; He is our rock and refuge in times of need.
Blessing or Curse
Life is filled with unknowns.
Yet, those unknowns don't take away our agency in how we experience life. If we have faith in who God says He is, then life is a grand adventure. If we lack faith, then it's pretty terrifying.
May God help us know Him more, and may that change everything for us.
Want help growing in emotional and spiritual health? Trying to discern a big life decision or overcome a challenging obstacle? Want to be closer to Jesus? I can help.
