The Certainty of Uncertainty (Self Control)

Read Galatians 5:22-23:

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."

Are you ready to make an investment in the Fruit of Self Control?

What uncertainty are you currently dealing with that is causing you stress, angst, fear and/or worry?

Write your answer in the space provided.

Go to 'DOCUMENTS' and read Oswald Chambers' comments on uncertainty.

Select 'Successful' when you are finished.

Oswald begins:

"Our natural inclination is to be so precise – trying always to forecast accurately what will happen next – that we look upon uncertainty as a bad thing."

How frequently do you look upon uncertainty as a bad thing -something to be avoided if you can?

Oswald adds:

"We think that we must reach some predetermined goal, but that is not the nature of the spiritual life. The nature of the spiritual life is that we are certain in our uncertainty."

Do you agree that the true aim of your spiritual life is to be certain of Jesus, His character, in the very midst of your uncertainty?

Oswald states:

"Consequently, we do not put down roots. Our common sense says, “Well, what if I were in that circumstance?” We cannot presume to see ourselves in any circumstance in which we have never been."

Regarding your answer in Step 2, what circumstances are you presuming might take place?

Oswald comments:

"To be certain of God means that we are uncertain in all our ways, not knowing what tomorrow may bring. This is generally expressed with a sigh of sadness, but it should be an expression of breathless expectation."

How might God be using uncertainty to give more of what you want most?

Oswald adds:

"We are uncertain of the next step, but we are certain of God. As soon as we abandon ourselves to God and do the task He has placed closest to us, He begins to fill our lives with surprises."

Can you recall a circumstance where God turned your uncertainty into a positive 'surprise'?

If so, write it down in the space provided.

Oswald claims:

"When we become simply a promoter or a defender of a particular belief, something within us dies. That is not believing God– it is only believing our belief about Him."

Regarding mistrusting God's character, is there anything you would like to repent of (express your sorrow)?

If so, you may do so privately or in the space provided.

Oswald states:

"We are not uncertain of God, just uncertain of what He is going to do next."

Regarding your current uncertainty, take a moment to imagine yourself being absolute certain of God's unfailing character.

Consider repeating one of your favorite Bible verses.

Stay with this until you begin to experience His faithfulness and love toward you.

Select 'Successful' when you are finished.

Oswald concludes:

"But when we have the right relationship with God, life is full of spontaneous, joyful uncertainty and expectancy...Leave everything to Him and it will be gloriously and graciously uncertain how He will come in– but you can be certain that He will come. Remain faithful to Him."

Is there anything you would like to praise or thank God for right now?

If so, you can do so privately or in the space provided.

How much has this Trail increased your level of self control?