I don't understand why people get cancer. I don't understand why babies die. I don't understand why bad things always seem to happen at the same time.
I don't understand what I should say to those who are hurting. I don't understand what I should do for those who need Christ, but push Him away. I don't understand how I can teach my kids about God's goodness when they're struggling with their Great Grandma's battle with cancer.
I've spent some time sharing these things with God and as I did He brought a verse to mind. A verse He's used in my life numerous times before and one He had me focusing on just yesterday.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight."
This verse has been powerful in my life, but tonight the phrase that has my attention is: "lean not on your own understanding." The NLT says, "Do not depend on your own understanding." As I reflected on this piece of wisdom from Solomon, I realized it's OK that I don't understand. In His Word, God tells us not to depend on what we know and since I'm at a place where I don't understand (Honestly I always am, just admitting it this time!) I cannot depend on myself. I must "trust in the Lord with all my heart!"
I don't understand pain, but I know God uses it. I don't understand why bad things happen to good people, but I believe God works all things together for the good of those who love Him. I don't understand why some people have to suffer more than others, but I trust God has plans for each and every one of His children.
Friend, as I process through this, I realize there is something I understand...God uses these moments where I lack understanding to redirect my focus. By admitting I don't understand, I'm acknowledging that I'm not in control and that is necessary if I'm going to recognize that God is the One who is. When I accept that Truth, I'm reminded of many others -
God is good. He is faithful. He is powerful. He is present. He is the beginning and the end. He is my heavenly Father. He is holy. He is righteous. He is love. He is sovereign.
Honestly, these are Truths that I don't always understand, but God's Word contains them, so thus I believe them and trust the One who spoke them. Today will join me in letting go of the desire to understand and simply trust the Lord who says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.” (Isaiah 55:8)
Friend, can I encourage you? When you don't understand, remember that's OK; God does. Go to Him, read His Word, listen for His voice and trust Him with all your heart. We have a choice to dwell on what we don't understand or trust the One with the master plan...pray you will join me in trusting the Lord today!
Lord Almighty,
blessed is the one who trusts in you.
Psalm 84:11
3 comments:
Great post, Jill!
Beautiful post. I so want to understand, but just as you have shared here, we just simply are not going to be able to always understand the hows and whys. I am so thankful we can trust the Father's heart of love. Something He continually has to remind me of!
Praying for your grandmother!
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