Embrace the mystery. Over thinking made everything heavier, trusting God made it lighter

by Tina Y. Gerber - McCurley

Every generation has its own battles; our parents and grandparents went through war, famine, and grew up in the middle of a worldwide economic meltdown. They struggled with high costs, job insecurity, and political conflicts. Things have not changed, and many are still overwhelmed today, as most media wants to keep us scared and agitated.

Sometimes, life doesn't make sense. There are moments when the path ahead feels uncertain. Faith means believing, even when we cannot see the entire picture, everything is unfolding the way it should. At 67, you'd think I would know a few more things! As I lay awake, in thoughtful prayer, I understand the universe is complex, and human perception is limited to a small, subjective viewpoint.

Mysteries drive us to explore, learn, and help keep our minds sharp. As I ponder many things, I have decided life is designed to be experienced rather than understood. The Bible suggests, trying to figure out life's complexities is impossible, we must accept God's wisdom as far superior. It calls us to surrender our need for absolute control and understanding.

We run from one moment to the next, trying to check off our to-do lists, worrying about the future and often worrying about the past. My mind has been filled with chaos, attempting to get ready for my next move, the next stage in this adventure of our life. This mystery can take you deep into the unknown. God requires us to keep moving forward, in obedience, regardless of uncertainty. Do we look for the beauty and wonder in our daily surroundings?

When I was in the hospital in December, I spent a lot of time in prayer, while experiencing, pain, fear, and the unknown. It kept me awake; I was unable to function, but one fact I rested in was, I was ready to go home to glory, if that's where God was calling me to be. I heard, inwardly, in prayer, "sticks & stones." This may sound unusual to some, but it revealed to me, God was my rock, the foundation in my life, and I had not built my castle on shifting sand. I was filled with peace, and an inner calm. I knew my next adventure was to relocate, uproot my life, and take the next move. I found this funny, as a month before I had announced to my family and friends, I would probably die in my home of 23 years, all the while sitting at my computer, writing articles for The Standard.

God invites us to embrace the mystery of life by trusting His sovereignty, knowing His ways are higher than ours. We are called to walk by faith, not sight, finding peace in surrender to His ways, and relying on the Holy Spirit to help us discern deeper spiritual truths. Life is confusing and ultimately beyond human comprehension, God is in control and has a purpose, even when we cannot see it. Embracing the mystery is, in part, responding to the invitation to trust in God's love and wisdom rather than our own understanding. There is power in shutting the world out and letting God work on you quietly.