"I don't know" are words infrequently heard. "I don't know" was number one in the list entitled, "Ten Things Your Doctor Won't Tell You" (SmartMoney April 1994). Why do many physicians have so much trouble saying these three simple words? Perhaps it is the same reason these words often cling to the back of my own vocal cords – my pride, insecurity and desire for control. Most of us struggle with what we don't know, yet until we can acknowledge the fact that we are, indeed, ignorant we cannot encounter the truth.
Spiritually, the same struggle exists. The truth is that God chooses to "keep us in the dark" about some issues. A favorite pastor from my medical school days used to say that God has given us Truth — some revealed and some not yet revealed. Yet sometimes we struggle harder to comprehend the unrevealed truth than to DO and
BELIEVE IN what God HAS revealed. We struggle to say, "I don't know and that is OK". Faith according to the writer of the Hebrews is,
". . . being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we DO NOT SEE." (Hebrews 11:1 NIV)
Faith has little to do with what we know, but with the object of our faith — God — the One who knows all. God knows the future. God knows what we need. God knows what is good for us, even if we don't understand.
Do you, like me, have trouble saying these words, "I don't know"? If we do not say these words in the everyday issues of life — we shade truth. If we do not say these words when speaking of spiritual truths, we diminish faith.
This week, will you join with me in the humbling exercise of saying, "I don't know" at work, with family, and with friends? And in issues of faith, honestly say, "I don't know, but I will trust God who knows all things and does all things well"?
Sharing the journey with you,
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