A number of years ago Robert Penn, a British writer, photographer and broadcaster, cycled around the world. Afterwards he gave talks and wrote articles based on what he had learnt on his travels. Two things that he said have particularly stuck in my mind. One was this:
“I learnt that generosity is an innate human trait; far from being rare, it’s the default position for the vast majority of humanity. I was exposed to some small acts of kindness at the hands of rural people who had little to give, almost every day.”
Wow. What a wonderful testimony to humankind and to our world.
The other thing he said was this: “I learnt that uncertainty is a gift. I am not sure I realised this at the time.”
Hmmm. That one is more challenging. We all live with uncertainty, but is it a gift that we should embrace and even cherish? Anybody who is seriously ill or awaiting a medical diagnosis may long for certainty so they can, at least, plan for their future. And our world at the moment seems plagued by uncertainty. As I write, the news is dominated by the war in Gaza, fears that North Korean weapons are being used in Ukraine and problems in the NHS. The world can seem a frightening and unsettling place, far removed from the picture painted by Robert Penn. Uncertainty, and its companion fear, seem to walk our world hand in hand.
And yet, Robert is right. He drew his inspiration from the kindness of the many strangers he met. We can too, but as Christians we can also draw strength from somewhere else. We have a word for the gift of uncertainty; we call it faith. Our journey of faith calls on us sometimes to take steps into the unknown, leaving old certainties – and our comfort zone - behind. We are asked to take risks.
As we do this, we need to hold fast to the promises of God. The Bible contains many of these; promises not to leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), promises that God will instruct and teach us the way we should go (Psalm 32:8), promises to make firm the steps of those who “delight in Him” (Psalm 37:23) and many more.
We are often called into situations, both large and small, where we don’t know the outcome. Our faith, our “gift of uncertainty”, can help us take that first step.
But in stepping forward we also need to look back. It is telling that Robert was honest that he didn’t always recognise the gift of uncertainty at the time. We need to have one eye glancing over our shoulder to remind ourselves how God has cared for us in the past and how – to quote my favourite promise of God :–
“... we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8: 28)
This Pentecost, may we embrace the gift of uncertainty and walk, not with fear as our companion, but with faith and hope.
Philip Clarke
Comentarios