Living Fearless by Jamie WinshipSampel

Mystery

God never comes to you in a formula, and He never will. You know why? He respects and loves you too much to talk to you that way. He’s creative in how He talks. He’s mysterious. In our lives, there are three great mysteries to explore every day:

1. The mystery of God and His universe. All humans love to look up at the sky. By wondering about the sky, humans have figured out planetary motion and gravitational force; they have discovered other planets and how to possibly travel there. The ones who have committed their lives to understanding this mystery have said, “We’re going to figure it out even if we die trying.” And when they figure out one thing, they learn there’s much more to know.

Each day, try to understand more of the mystery of God: “God, teach me something about You and your universe that I do not know.” Throughout eternity, He will reveal aspects of Himself you never knew.

2. The mystery of you. Trust me, you do not know yourself. If you did, you would be doing amazing things. The way you think of yourself is way too small. Each day, try to understand more of the mystery of you: “God, teach me something about myself that I do not know.”

In Psalm 139, David says, in so many words, “God, search me and know me, and reveal any wicked or offensive way in me, and then lead me in a new way. Lead me in the way of everlasting every day” (vv. 23–24). What hinders you from living like this?

Once the false self is gone, you are free to become more than you can ask or imagine.

3. The mystery of others. Consider the mystery of other people in your world—your kids, spouse, neighbors. Try to figure them out. After thirty-six years, I’m still working on the mystery of my wife. I’ve known her since she was nineteen, and she’s a beautiful mystery to me. My children are each a beautiful though sometimes troubling mystery to me. I love the journey with them, and with Muslims and my neighbors and many others. Each day, try to understand more of the mystery of others: “God, teach me something about someone else that I do not know.”

Within the exploration of these three beautiful mysteries, Jesus says our core motivation must be absolute love. Love allows us to receive without fear. Perfect love casts out all fear.

God, show me the mystery of who You are and how You reveal yourself in all of creation.