3:161 – It’s Ok To Not Know

#faithbites #faithjourney not

When we are young, many ask us what we want to be when we grow up. Some know right away, others don’t, and still others will change their mind a thousand times. Heck, I’m 43, and I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up.

Similarly, when we are faced with a question or a situation that is new to us, we struggle to find an answer. It’s very difficult to say, “I don’t know” or “I haven’t formed an opinion on that”, or “I haven’t researched that.” We often want to say something to fill the void and look knowledgeable.

It’s ok to not know. It’s ok to struggle. I’m often asked about where I stand on many faith and certain tenants of it. I would like to have an opinion, but sometimes, I just don’t know. I haven’t dug into it. And guess what, it’s ok.

Scripture

• Proverbs 3:5 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
• Jeremiah 29:12 – For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
• Matthew 7:7 – Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

Reflection

Our faith is just that, faith. We don’t have to know the answers as long as we have faith. God has a plan and he will provide the answers. We just need to ask and be ready to listen to what he says.

We don’t have to lean on our own understanding. God will fill in the blanks. When it comes to ways of the world, seek knowledge and ask for clarification. If you don’t know, you don’t have to have an answer.

When I help new teachers, I tell them if a student asks a question you don’t know, don’t make up an answer. Work together to think of the answer or research it and get back. Students see through made up answers.

So as we leave, remember to lean on God and it’s ok to say, “I don’t know”.

Challenge

If someone asks for your opinion or the answer to something and you don’t know, just say that. It’s ok. Then work to educate yourself to form an opinion or find the answer. It’s very freeing.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, you are all knowing, all powerful, and all loving. We fall far from that and apologize. Forgive us. Help us to not feel the pressure to know everything and have an opinion on everything. Give us the tools and patience to seek answers that are truthful and opinions that are sound. In our 24 x 7 x 365 world, this is a challenge. Be with us and guide us Lord. In your name, Amen.