In my formative years, our pastors implored us publicly and privately to commit our “unknown bundle” to the Lord.  Here is how I came to understand what they were saying. You can give yourself, your past, present, and future, to the Lord, but mostly what you give to the Lord falls into the “unknown” category.  We have no idea what the future holds for us, and we imagine it will be a mixture of joy, sadness, laughter, tears, ups and downs, and everything in between.  For whatever reason, the unknown always seemed the most difficult.  Though I must admit, some knowns were not easy to commit either.

As I am on my new journey of retirement, relocation, redesign, and renewal, I thought I would also need to commit the entire unknown bundle of the future to the Lord. Not quite three months into it, I have come to see that just like every other phase of life, I would commit the unknown to God and say yes to whatever He would bring my way.

A few days ago, a new opportunity was offered to me.  The choice was will I do this for a short period, or will I say no?  I thought of all those years ago when I said yes to the Lord and indicated to my pastor that I would also commit the ‘unknown bundle’ to Him.  More detail to come in a few days.

A few of my thoughts this early morning regarding following the Lord:

  • The life of faith is a journey.  Following the Lord is not dull, though there are segments of quiet desperation and times of wondering if God remembers my name.  Yet it is a journey.
  • There are lessons to be learned throughout the journey.  This may be one of the journey’s best and most significant parts.
  • The unknown parts are where faith is tested, and the Lord is trusted.  I like to know!  I want to plan!  I like things to work according to my plan!  Life is not like that!
  • God knows what He is doing.   I do not, but He does; therefore, I will trust Him.
  • His plans are always better than mine.  This has been a hard lesson to learn for me, so from today’s vantage, I can say His ways are the best.  Even when I do not understand and even when they have been painfully received; eventually, I can see His way was best, not easy, but best.
  • Keep your hand in his hand.  Since I do not know what the future holds, and He does, I will keep my hand in the unseen hand.
  • Surrender is the best way to live. God’s way is truly the best.  I can testify down through the decades He has given to me exceedingly abundantly and beyond my wildest imagination.

Regardless of what you are going through today.  Even in the darkest and most difficult hours, trust in Him.   It has been confirmed in my life as the writer of Lamentations states: “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)

 

 

 

2 Thoughts to “The Unknown Bundle”

  1. Phillip Kellerman

    A valuable truth that is included in our “unconditional surrender” that is rarely if ever mentioned from the pulpit today. Thank you.

  2. P. A. Mingus

    Thank you, Dr. Blake! I live within the perimeters of new normals I never could have imagined. Yet Our God is faithful! I’m glad I gave it all to Him a long time ago for despite the adversities I know I’m in His care and His keeping.

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