“Sometimes you have to run away from security and chase uncertainty.”

Okay, seriously, who wants to do this? We all like security! But, as you read this chapter, I am sure you either said, “Yeah, that sounds just like me” or you said, “The thought of that scares me to death.” Regardless of your natural tendency to like adventure and spontaneity, the point of Chapter 5 is that we all must get used to the fact that life is uncertain. We have to develop a degree of comfort with that so that we can embrace the opportunities that God sends our way.

Throughout the beginning of chapter 5, we see that Benaiah certainly did not wake up that morning looking to fight a lion. We’re not even sure how it all came about. But something inside him knew that he needed to chase the lion that crossed his path that day. There was definitely a sense of uncertainty in this situation and the situation itself was unplanned.

Similarly, we saw uncertainty in the disciples’ lives on the Day of Pentecost. As was described in this chapter, the disciples were at a place in their lives where they didn’t know what to do. Their future was uncertain and they had no plan. So, they fasted and prayed for 10 days. And boy, did God come through. Out of nowhere, much like a lion appearing, there was a loud sound and fiery tongues moving around them. And, as recounted in Acts, the Holy Spirit descended on each disciple and enabled them to speak in different tongues so that they could take the news of Jesus Christ out to different groups. And, the disciples were able to go out into Jerusalem to prophesy and teach in the native language of the various groups there. Jewish people from all over were there and they heard the gospel in their native tongue, and became believers. This is where many believe the church started. And, I’m sure that the disciples didn’t wake up that day imagining that would happen.

The biggest them of Chapter 5 centers on the idea of planning our lives. We like to plan things so that we can have security and we erroneously believe that our planning will bring us security. And instead of our prayer life being a plea to God for Him to lead our lives, we tell God what and when to do things that we have planned. But, what if we spent 10 days really praying and fasting over what God’s plan is for our lives? What if we stopped planning for ourselves and had true faith in God’s direction for our life?

Do you think that faith reduces uncertainty? Many people believe this is true and it seems that we would like to think that when we place our faith in Jesus Christ that life becomes easier, more secure, and more certain. However, it is actually the opposite. When we have faith enough to follow God’s direction for our life, we are actually embracing uncertainty. We are embracing the uncertainty of following God’s plan. And, the only reason that it appears uncertain to us is because we don’t fully understand it. We don’t see the larger picture of our lives that God sees, so things look uncertain and look risky. When in reality, they are merely steps towards the greatness that God has planned for us. And as the author says, “Maybe a relationship with God doesn’t simplify our lives. Maybe it complicates our lives in ways that they should be complicated.”

A relationship with God is awesome. And yes, there will be complications along the way. But as the author mentions, they are good complications and we only see them as complications because we don’t fully understand them. And, they are unlike the complications that we bring on ourselves by sinning, because they are good and bring growth and have purpose. The truth is that life is going to be complicated and we should take a life complicated by God rather than a life complicated by sinning.

A relationship with God is awesome and Jesus is unpredictable. We see it all throughout scripture. He is always doing the opposite of what the disciples and others think He will do or say. When we follow Him, our lives become that way too. As we journey through our life with Jesus, we never know who we will meet, what we will do, or where we will go. We have all experienced the unexpected in life. The great people we meet, the places that God sends us, and the things He asks us to do. Maybe God has opened doors for you to serve someplace that you never thought you would serve. These are God’s ways of showing us how the things that we don’t plan can end up being amazing. The author mentioned how serving God can reduce spiritual uncertainty. He used the passage of scripture that tells us that God gives us a peace that passes all understanding. When we are in a vibrant relationship with Him and praying for guidance and direction in life, we believe that God gives us that peace. We believe that we then can live our lives in such a way that we become lion chasers because we know that no matter what, God is with us. And, what we perceive as uncertainty is merely His plan unfolding before us. And, because we are secure in our knowledge that God knows best and is leading us, we can embrace the day to day uncertainty. He has proven it to us time and time again and let Him prove it to you again.

Things to think and pray about this week:

1. Are you naturally inclined to look for adventure and uncertainty? How has that worked to your advantage and disadvantage in life?

2. What events in your life have happened that looked uncertain at first, but proved to be God-inspired opportunities?

3. Do you currently face uncertainty in your future? How are you dealing with it? Are you praying and fasting that God will direct you through this time of uncertainty?

4. What doors do you feel God is opening for you today? Are you hesitant to walk through those doors because you are not certain where they are leading? How can you overcome that fear of chasing after the uncertain future that God seems to be leading you towards?

5. Are you a planner? Do you find that this hinders your ability to follow God into new places and situations? Pray this week that God can help you let go of some of the control you want to have on your life and show you how His plans for you are far better than your plans for yourself.

As you are reflecting on your plans and your future this week, please remember that we all can learn how to embrace uncertainty. And, the first thing we all need to remember is that God never promised us that following Him would bring us an easy road with no complications. While we have eternal security, we need to embrace a little Earthly insecurity. If you are a natural lion chaser, then this chapter has likely energized you and reinforced your natural tendency to take risks and chase lions. If you are not a natural lion chaser, then this chapter has challenged you to be open to uncertain futures that God may have for you. And, for both types of people, we challenge you to be prayerful and wise in your actions. Be open to the opportunities that God has for you. And, be open to a life that may be grossly different than what you planned. And rest assured that your life planned by God is going to be far better than your life planned by you.

As we continue to see through the first five chapters, God wants you to have a full, rich life that honors Him. And, that full, rich life comes with immense growth, awesome experiences, and life changing results if you let go of a little bit of control and let God lead you. Remember to continue to ask for God’s direction and discernment to see the lions that God has sent into your life. We all can, and must, be lion chasers after the opportunities that God has given us. Be open to divine appointments that God sets up for you.