I once read somewhere that being ok with not having all the answers was a mark of maturity. I agree with that statement wholeheartedly. There are some things in this life that we are just never going to figure out. There are other things that, with time, we will understand better. Then, there are the things, given enough time, effort and learning, we will master.
The problem, of course, is when we confuse these categories. We try to understand what is beyond our ability to comprehend. We stress and worry about things that are beyond our control. We waste valuable time and energy trying to force untamable issues into our designated boxes.
While we are attempting these impossible feats, we neglect that knowledge that is ours to master. We spend so much time, energy and emotion on the impossible that we have none left over for the feasible. As a result, we live our lives in, what one writer called, “quiet desperation” – never sure of anything – always wondering what we are missing out on. As a result, we live unfulfilled lives, generally marked by a critical spirit, fueled by jealousy caused by the realization that we are not living up to our God-ordained potential.
Is there hope? Absolutely!
Ephesians 5:17 tells us: “Don’t act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do.” NLT
James 1:5 gives us this instruction: “If you need wisdom– if you want to know what God wants you to do– ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking.” NLT
Finally, Romans 12:2 gives insight into how all this comes about: “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.” NLT
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