Embrace Uncertainty

Today you and I have the distinct pleasure of hearing from a great friend of mine, Tara Clapper.  Tara has an amazing story!  Earlier this year God spoke to her, she packed up her bags, and just a few months ago went on a mission to Rwanda, Africa.  It is great to see all that God has done in her life, and the lives of those around her.  You can follower her "ramblings" on her blog la.T.da where she gives accounts of what God is not only doing in her life, but those around her.

If you are looking for a great cause to support, then this is it!  You can donate on-line here.  Just make sure to designate "Rwanda Summer 2011" and "Tara Clapper".  

HERE WE GO!

A guest post? What the heck. I'm still shocked that anyone reads my little blog, much less would like me to do a guest post...

So, I'm super excited! Especially, for someone as wonderful as Jason. Anyway, I was thinking about what I would write about (you know, for something so special). This seems like more than just my daily ramblings. I thought maybe I could talk a bit about what God is teaching me and why I feel he needed to bring me half way around the world to do it.

Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my sighing. (Psalm 5:1)

This one little verse has become such a great source or strength for me. When God called me out of my sweet, little life in America and plopped me in Rwanda I couldn't (and most days still can't) find the words. It is way too much, and far too little. Happiness and pain all wrapped into one big ball of uncertainty. 

I am no stranger to uncertainty. I suppose it's always been like a motto I live by. "I'll worry about tomorrow, tomorrow." I guess I've always felt like it was a flaw I have. "If I could just be more organized. Be a list maker. A planner." But I'm not. I thought maybe if I prayed harder or read my Bible more God could help me to overcome this. To use me.

I know different people have different personalities. I know different people have different callings. And what I am learning is that embracing uncertainty is one dimension of faith. It is the sovereignty of God that gives us a sense of destiny. And it is the sense of destiny that helps us embrace the positive and negative uncertainties. For whatever reason, it took being dragged all the way to Africa for me to see that uncertainty is not necessarily a bad thing. Faith embraces uncertainty. 

I love how Mark Batterson puts it in his book In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day.

Embrace relational uncertainty. It's called romance.

Embrace spiritual uncertainty. It's called mystery.

Embrace occupational uncertainty. It's called destiny.

Embrace emotional uncertainty. It's called joy.

Embrace intellectual uncertainty. It's called revelation.

So, it is uncertainty that keeps me in constant communication with the only One who can make sense of all of this. And maybe I don't need to know what's coming next because He knows. 

As it turns out, He doesn't need me to be organized or make lists or be a planner, because He is the ultimate Planner. And even when I can't put my uncertainty into words, He hears and translates my sighs. Maybe all I need to know is, flaws and all, He has a plan for me. Thank goodness.

Tara

Comments

[Jason Maxwell]

Thanks again Tara for posting! Awesome stuff!