Often there are two ways to look at things, a doubting view and a view rooted in faith. And you may not know which view is correct. Can you think of one topic about which you have not made up your mind? We are uncomfortable with uncertainty. We have to KNOW, even if what we “know” is wrong. It is easier to pick a side and go all-in than to remain undecided.
But some questions remain unanswered. And those who choose sides do so based on assumptions, not evidence. This is true not only of global issues, but in our personal lives. Some of us, like JUDGE JUDY, decide instantly: “You’re LYING!” Yet, we really don’t know.
THERE MAY BE SECURITY THAT COMES FROM CHOOSING A POSITION. BUT THERE IS HOPE THAT COMES FROM KEEPING AN OPEN MIND IN MATTERS OF FAITH. When Abraham took Isaac up Mt. Moriah, he was terrified, but kept an open mind. ‘Maybe God will rescue Isaac,’ he told himself. ‘He’s the child of promise.’ Hebrews 11 says Abraham kept the faith.
I believe Jacob did the same when told Joseph had been killed. In spite of evidence, the bloody coat of many colors, Jacob had an alternative view. He remembered Joseph’s dreams of the family bowing to Joseph. The dreams were offensive, and Jacob rebuked Joseph over them. But he also “kept the matter in mind” Genesis 37:11.
Jacob had an open mind, and it gave him hope. Perhaps Jacob was 99% sure Joseph was dead. But in his darkest moments, God brought to mind those dreams that Jacob had to know came to his son from the same God who gave Jacob miraculous dreams.
God gave Joseph those dreams to give him hope. But God gave the report of them to his father Jacob—to help him keep the faith. And eventually, the dreams were fulfilled.
There can be HOPE in uncertainty. Don’t rush to make up your mind on all subjects. Take your time and never give up on faith when God has spoken.
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