“The way of trust is a movement into obscurity, into the undefined, into ambiguity, not into some predetermined, clearly delineated plan for the future. The next step discloses itself only out of a discernment of God acting in the desert of the present moment. The reality of naked trust is the life of the pilgrim who leaves what is nailed down, obvious, and secure, and walks into the unknown without any rational explanation to justify the decision or guarantee the future. Why? Because God has signaled the movement and offered it his presence and his promise.”
Analysis of Quote:
In this insightful quote by Brennan Manning, he emphasizes the importance of trusting in God and walking into the unknown with faith. The idea of embracing ambiguity and uncertainty can be daunting, but Manning suggests that true trust in God involves moving beyond what is familiar and secure. He highlights the idea of being a pilgrim on a journey, guided not by a predetermined plan but by discerning God's presence in the present moment. This quote encourages readers to let go of their need for rational explanations and guarantees, and instead, to rely on God's promise and guidance. Ultimately, Manning's words remind us that true trust in God requires stepping into the unknown with faith and confidence in his presence.
Modern Relevance
In today's fast-paced and uncertain world, the concept of trust and taking leaps of faith into the unknown is more relevant than ever. Brennan Manning's words remind us of the importance of letting go of our need for control and security, and instead embracing ambiguity and trusting in something greater than ourselves. This philosophy can guide individuals in navigating unpredictable circumstances and finding peace in the midst of uncertainty.
Embracing the Way of Trust
In this quote, Brennan Manning explores the concept of trust as a journey into the unknown, a movement into obscurity and ambiguity. Trust involves stepping out of our comfort zone, into the desert of the present moment, guided only by God's presence and promise. The pilgrim's life of naked trust is characterized by leaving behind the familiar and secure, and embarking on a path with no rational explanation or guarantee of the future.
Reflection Questions:
When was the last time you stepped out in trust into the unknown, without a clear plan or guarantee of the future? How did it feel, and what did you learn from that experience?
What obstacles or fears prevent you from fully trusting in God and His promises for your life? How can you work through these obstacles and deepen your trust in Him?
In what ways can you practice living in the present moment, discerning God's presence and guidance in your daily life? How can you cultivate a mindset of faith and trust, even when the future seems uncertain?
Reflect on a time when you felt God leading you in a direction that seemed unclear or risky. Looking back, how did His presence and promise manifest throughout that journey? What lessons did you learn about trust and faith in those moments?
Similar quotes
“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”
“Trust only movement. Life happens at the level of events, not of words. Trust movement.”
“Paul acknowledged what we must acknowledge if we are to trust God. God's plan and His way of working out His plan are frequently beyond our ability to fathom and understand. We must learn to trust when we don't understand.”
“But there is no perfect guide for discerning God's movement in the world, Contrary to what many conservatives say, the Bible is not a blueprint on this matter. It is a valuable symbol for point to God's revelation in Jesus, but it is not self-interpreting. We are thus place in an existential situation of freedom in which the burden is on us to make decisions without a guaranteed ethical guide.”
“Every important social movement reconfigures the world in the imagination. What was obscure comes forward, lies are revealed, memory shaken, new delineations drawn over the old maps: it is from this new way of seeing the present that hope emerges for the future...Let us begin to imagine the worlds we would like to inhabit, the long lives we will share, and the many futures in our hands.”