Life often demands moments of decisive action. There’s a clear move to make and all that’s needed is the courage to be in the moment and act accordingly. But many other times there is no obvious play to make. In fact, there might be multiple moves we could make and no one right answer. Discernment is needed here. And enough restraint not to rush a play just because we’re uncomfortable with ambiguity. Strength is exercised as we take decisive action. But it’s formed as we learn to tolerate and stay engaged even in times of uncertainty.
Of course, we don’t need to hold back when the play we need to make is clear. But we quickly become a bull in a china shop when we attempt to force such bold plays into every situation. This is often fueled by our own fears and insecurities. Perhaps we’re afraid of missing our opportunity or appearing weak, and so we rush ahead before taking time to discern.
To be sure, discernment is not becoming passive or overanalyzing a situation. The game must go on and a play must be made. And even our inaction becomes its own move. Discernment is simply accepting the ambiguity of a situation and refusing to force clarity prematurely.
This is the journey of dating and not immediately knowing whether it will lead to marriage or not. We stay engaged and active without demanding perfect certainty on the first date. Starting our own business or even just the journey of discovering ourselves and the work God has called us to do often function in the same way. Action is needed. But there’s no clear decisive move we must make.
We must accept the path of unknowing. This is not becoming indifferent or just walking blindly, but allowing for grace, freedom, and flexibility in our journey forward. The play we make today might need to be adjusted tomorrow. And this is okay. Our strength is being forged as we surrender our need for perfect certainty before taking our next step of faith.
Where are you learning to tolerate uncertainty without checking out or forcing outcomes on your own terms?
Photo by David Morris
