God Understands
To put it simply, there are many things we do not understand. The unexpected and unexplained death of a loved one. A family member who walks away from family relationships. Watching a person slip away, losing all remembrance and ability to reason. A job not offered to the one who is most qualified. Surely those things that seem beyond understanding are coming to your mind right now. Some of these things weigh heavily upon our hearts. They bring out emotions that express the deepness of our lack of understanding – frustration, anger, sadness, fear. We find ourselves desperately striving to “figure things out” which only enhances these emotions. In Ecclesiastes 11:5 (NLT), we read, “Just as you cannot understand the path of the wind or the mystery of a tiny baby growing in its mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the activity of God, who does all things.” In this passage God is telling us that regardless of the circumstance, God is at work and God understands.
All too often we become so anxious to unravel the mysteries of life that these “things” become our focus. We ponder or worry, trying to find the answers we so desperately seek. We are filled with questions and doubts arise. Without realizing it our search can lead us into a trap and these “things” can control our thoughts. The enemy now has fertile ground to grow bitterness and fear.
How do we know God understands? When He took on human form, He experienced these “things” personally. He experienced homelessness, hunger and grief. He was betrayed, tempted and abandoned. He knew suffering, pain, fear and desperation. He humbled himself and was obedient to God’s purpose.
I am learning that some of these “things” that God allows in our lives are not about us at all. They are God at work through us, perhaps intending to show someone else His power, His comfort, His redemption, His love. Once again, it causes us to trust that He has a much greater perspective. He sees the big picture in completion. We only see the few brush strokes of our lives. In Proverbs 20:24 (NLT), Solomon wisely wrote, “The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?” God is asking us to trust Him, even when we can’t “figure things out.” God’s Word assures us that He is working all things for our good.
“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9
Yes, there are those “things” we may never understand. But God is asking us to love Him above all the “things” that we do not understand. He is asking us to be obedient and give these “things” up to Him. God tells us in His Word that He knows and He understands – the frustration, the anger, the sadness and the fear.
So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:14-16 (NLT)
A thorough Biblical discussion of the unanswered questions. Often God doesn’t answer why, but He is with us.
Wonderful post Carol! I have experienced many “I don’t understand” moments but I don’t place my trust in the unknown but in the One Who knows what is best for me.
Powerful post, Carol. Yes, I often don’t understand the whys, but I know that I can trust the One and Only.