The Sacred Art of Bumbling Around

God’s timing is so interesting to me. I had been working on a blog post trying to describe what it feels like to be a stranger in a strange land. I’m certainly not likening my experience with Moses (for sure!) but sharing about my meandering through these last 15 months. My husband sent me this (unaware of what I had been writing) -- a message one of his friends had just posted. He shared it because he could relate, and it struck a nerve in me too. While it’s not the gist of my article, it describes many of my days, and I suspect, some of yours too. Perhaps I should have t-shirts printed!

Thanks Tommy, for allowing me to share! -- Cheryl

The Sacred Art of Bumbling Around

Why Faith Looks More Like Stumbling Than Certainty

Tommy Thompson

On the way to a Saturday morning activity, Weezie and I were talking about the imperfect art of deciding what to say yes to, and what to say no to. How do you know what’s right when there’s rarely a divine voice—or even a whisper—telling you how to answer?

Weezie summed it up:

“So much of life feels like bumbling around.”

What a good description!

We often like to appear spiritual, as though we have a direct line to the Almighty guiding our everyday choices. But usually, we’re just bumbling along—hoping we don’t mess up too badly. Which raises the question: Is bumbling around God’s will for our decision-making?

Doing It All to the Glory of God

I take comfort in Paul’s words in Colossians:

“Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Col. 3:17)

Maybe that could be rephrased: Even if you’re bumbling, do it to the glory of God.

As You Are Going

In the Great Commission, Jesus tells his disciples:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations...” (Matt. 28:19)

A more accurate translation is, “As you are going…” Not only when you’re confident. Not only when you’re certain of the path. But in the ordinary act of going—bumbling included.

Our Plans, God’s Purposes

One of my theme verses for 2025 is:

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” (Prov. 19:21)

Or, as the old saying goes, “Man plans and God laughs.”

It seems God is not overly concerned with our bumbling. In fact, maybe it’s part of the process. Like a parent who lets a child stumble and try again, God allows our missteps because they teach us more than our successes ever could.

The Essence of Faith

The more I think about it, the more I realize: bumbling around, doing the best we can without guarantees, may actually be the essence of faith. After all, what faith is required if we only act when the path is crystal clear?

Our well-intentioned bumbling, I believe, pleases God. If we stray too far, He knows how to get our attention.

A Comforting Summary

Here’s what brings me peace:

“As you are going, in whatever you are doing, do it to the glory of God. And know this—despite all our plans, the Lord’s purposes will prevail.”

Hallelujah!