I Am-Part 3featured
If you have not been able to read, I Am- Part 1 and Part 2, you can find them here and here, to check them out yourself.
Certainty is a weighty word. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, it means “the quality or state of being certain, especially on the basis of evidence.” A quick Google search will bring up endless quotes by various philosophers stating that certainty is a mark of a foolish person:
“The only certainty is that nothing is certain.” Pliny the Elder
“Uncertainty is an uncomfortable position. But certainty is an absurd one.” Voltaire
“Not doubt, certainty is what drives one insane.” Friedrich Nietzsche
It’s no wonder that, given this mindset, the world in general has very little hope.
What things are you CERTAIN of? The adage “nothing is certain but death and taxes” rings true, for sure, but what else are you 100% unequivocally positive of? Periwinkle is the best color on earth? Salty is WAY better than sweet? Nighttime is preferable over early morning? What about the things of the Lord? What is certain in your heart? Your salvation? Your identity in Christ? Your place in the Kingdom?
One (of many) thing I am certain of is that I’ve heard the Lord speak to me twice, and both times were during journeys of active suffering. The first time was a few weeks before my husband and I learned I had miscarried our baby. I was getting ready for the day and was praying over the things I was anxious about. I very clearly felt Him say “you won’t meet your baby in this life, but I will carry you.” And man, He did. The goodness and tender care of a merciful and kind Father was poured out on my family.
The second was just a few months ago. I had ongoing health issues that no one could seem to figure out. In the midst of exhaustion, constant headaches, joint pain, and a myriad of other painful ailments, I cried out to the Lord. That age-old question, “why,” exited my lips, and immediately, I had my humbling answer: “This is for my glory.” In that moment, my prayer changed from “take this cup from me” to “help me suffer well,”. The only reason I’m able to say that is because the Holy Spirit worked in me mightily during other trials. It is ALL Him. I take no credit for it. Please hear that.
How does this tie into I Am?
The beginning of Isaiah 6 spells it out, though not explicitly:
“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said:
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
the whole earth is full of his glory!
And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke.”
Where do you see comfort or certainty in this passage?
I see it in “the Lord sitting upon a throne.” In the midst of angels worshiping and the throne room being filled with smoke– enough to shatter even the heartiest among us – He is seated, in a position of comfort and control. Even what was taking place on earth was under his calm control.
King Uzziah was one of the better kings of Judah, and the nation prospered under his rule for quite awhile. Unfortunately, pride led to his downfall. He entered the temple to burn incense on the altar, something only the Levite priests could do. After being confronted by 80 legitimate priests, he became angry, and the Lord made leprosy break out over his forehead. In fear, he ran out of the temple and lived as a leper outside the community from then on. This is the backdrop to this passage. Nothing takes the Lord by surprise. He’s not pacing, worrying, wondering what His next “move” should be. He was calm, collected, and just. In calm mercy, he sent the priests to confront Uzziah. And when the king didn’t heed the warning, the Lord acted in swift, yet completely just punishment.
When the world feels like it’s falling apart, He is constant and steady. When pain overwhelms, He is the Great Physician. When grief overtakes our heart, He is our hope and peace. Even in the smallest details, annoyances, or inconveniences, He is there. He is seated, and nothing is outside of His control. Everything you’re going through, whether joy or sorrow, has passed through His gracious hands, and He is using it for His glory, and your sanctification.
During your week, look to the Lord as your source of all that is good and right. Trust that He knows, sees, and cares for you, as a good Father who uses all things to shape you into one who looks more and more like His Son.
