I wish I could say I always understand the ways of God. I wish I could say life is always easy for those who love Jesus. I wish I could say my faith never waivers and I never question God.
But all of these things would be a complete lie. The truth is I don’t always understand God.
Such times remind me of a conversation between Jesus and His disciples. He had just taught some truths that were difficult to understand–a message which caused many would-be followers to leave. Jesus sees those who have abandoned him and looks to his disciples:
At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him. Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Are you also going to leave?”
Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.
-John 6:66-69
Like Peter, there are times I find myself following Jesus simply because I know there is no other place to go.
I’m also reminded of a quote from The Screwtape Letters, an amazing work from CS Lewis. This book is a compilation of imaginary letters from an elder demon to his apprentice. The “enemy” mentioned here is God:
Our cause is never more in danger, than when a human, no longer desiring, but intending, to do our Enemy’s will, looks round upon a universe from which every trace of Him seems to have vanished, and asks why he has been forsaken, and still obeys.
-CS Lewis, The Screwtape Letters
You may have a million unanswered questions. I do, too. Just keep following.
the response of Peter in that verse is very powerful, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
i agree to what u said, “You may have a million unanswered questions. I do, too. Just keep following.”-that was so encouraging. And God is always good. We may not always understand our situation but God is always faithful. The faithful God is worth to follow.
For the man after God’s own heart-David, following God has great benefits like what his song says in 2 Samuel 22:1-20. In that song David revealed what kind of God was He to him:
> God was his rock, fortress and deliverer
> He was his shield and the horn of salvation
> He was his stronghold, refuge and savior
> He saved him from violent men
> He is worthy of praise
> In his distress he called to Him and He heard his voice, his cry came to his ears
> He reached down from on high and took hold of him
> He rescued him from his powerful enemy, from foes who were too strong for him
> The Lord was his support when his enemies confronted him during disaster
> God brought him into spacious place
> God’s delight was upon him
David said, “for i have kept the ways of the Lord; i have not done evil by turning from God.All his laws are before me; I have not turned away from his decrees.”
Verses 23-51 tell more of God’s benefits…and what i really like there are these: vv 33-37 ” It is God who arms with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory; you stoop down to make me great. You broaden the path beneath me so that my ankles do not turn.”
This post fits my season right now. Thank you 🙂 oh and I love Screwtape Letters and I love the podcasts that you have here. :))
I don’t know anyone who could honestly say they’ve completely understood God’s ways. After going through darkness, I am certainly more compassionate with others in their season of questioning.
I am SO glad that He does it all. He teaches in days of peace when we can grasp new things. He holds us and carries us through the other days of total confusion and heartache. He is good – our good, great GOD.