We make a big deal about how Saint John the Baptist prepared the way for the Lord—saw him coming, witnessed the big epiphany moment when he baptized Jesus, told the crowd, “Behold, the Lamb of God”—and yet also said, “I did not know him,” and on top of that later sent two of his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” (Luke 7:19). You might be reminded of Jacob wrestling an angel but not realizing it until afterward: “Truly, the Lord is in this place and I did not know it!” (Genesis 28:16).

These ambiguities highlight the need to look for God at all times. They also remind you that God is invisible but everywhere, absent but always present, seemingly inactive at times yet guiding you nonetheless. These paradoxes are at the heart of faith. Embrace them.