“Utajijue,” Fatima responded with a warm smile.

As a fairly new missionary, I was still in the language-learning phase so before I could respond and continue the conversation, I had to break down the Swahili word-phrase in my mind.

Literally translated, utajijue means you will yourself should know, so I was still confused about what Fatima was actually trying to say to me. The long pause in the conversation must have clued in my new friend to this fact. She then patiently began explaining to me that the phrase meant anything is fine with me; you know what’s best; decide and I will go along with your decision.

We agreed on our next meeting time and parted ways, but the meaning of utajijue lingered in my mind. The phrase was simple and short, yet it communicated so much: a willingness to be flexible to what another person chooses and a trust of the decision of the person on the other end of the conversation.

Our God is omniscient, or all-knowing. While we may know this as a learned fact, we often do not respond to God as such because, as Romans 11:33 states, our human minds cannot fathom the depths of His wisdom and knowledge.

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!
• Romans 11:33 •

As humans, we often forget things, sometimes even minutes after hearing them. We may learn something new every day, yet we are still missing immense amounts of knowledge and understanding. And while we can make some guesses or assumptions about our future, we don’t actually know for sure even what the next second of our lives or others’ lives will hold. So it’s hard for us to fully comprehend the fact that God never forgets anything, has nothing left to learn, and knows exactly what every second of every person’s future holds.

When we start to dwell on God’s omniscience, it should humbly bring us to a place where we can say to God, “Utajijue.” Which is to say: God, Anything You decide is fine with me; You know what is best for Your glory, and I want to do your will.

When we are able to communicate this to God, it shows Him we have a heart that

• recognizes the riches of His knowledge and wisdom.
• trusts in His will and decisions for our lives.
• is willing to obey Him even when we can’t completely understand His ways or judgments.

• Prayer •

Heavenly Father, Utajijue. Whatever you want for me I’m okay with, even if it’s not part of my plans. You are all-knowing and know what is best for my life and Your glory. Reveal to me Your ways and I will obey you. Amen.

cover photo courtesy of Pixabay.com