Many questions, fewer answers.
“Everyone who heard Jesus was amazed at His answers.”
Luke 2:47 NIV.
My thoughts today are about, “Things Only God Knows.”
Life can be perplexing. Things can puzzle you. Controlling everything is exhausting. Predicting the future is impossible. You can neither change nor control people, no matter however hard you try. Many things lie beyond yours and my reach. There will be times when you will know too little to be assured and confident.
My maternal grandmother was, a gentle and saintly woman, in the truest sense of the phrase; none more gentle, loving, or kind. I never heard my grandmother ever say an unkind thing about anyone. If anything, she would offer explanation for why they may have felt as they did, or said what they said, or did what they did.
When asked about someone or something she could not explain, she would shrug her shoulders and softly say, “Only God knows.” Then she would return to whatever she was doing. My grandmother never seemed to be bothered by the unknowable or the unexplainable. She was content with what she was not meant to know, but wonderfully at peace that God knows all. That was all that mattered to her. I want to be – need to be – more like my grandmother.
Jesus identified with every time you and I ask, “why?” On the cross, as death neared and the heavens darkened as though God had withdrawn His presence, Jesus’ humanity echoed yours and my anguish at the unknowable and unanswerable, “My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Yet Heaven remained silent. Jesus was content about things only God knows.
I recall an earnest, university student who sat in my office. She asked honest questions about human suffering, terrible tragedies, and unanswered prayers. She did not want to argue or debate a point. She was honestly wrestling with issues of faith that people older than her and wiser than me have struggled to explore and explain, and have failed in their attempts.
I made a valiant effort. I did not answer her questions exactly, but I assured her of the character and nature of God, and His love and wisdom. Our Savior has unceasing compassion for a world damaged by sin.
Godly people have asked God the tough questions before. Why do good people do bad things? Why do bad things happen to good people? Those are not new to this generation. “Why are the wicked so prosperous? Why are evil people so happy?” Jeremiah 12:1-2 NLT. There are things only God knows.
Looking back on that conversation with the collegian, I should have remembered my kindly grandmother’s wisdom. Her answer was always, “Only God knows.” For my grandma, Jesus’ righteous character was enough.
’“When Jesus suffered from what people did to Him, He did not try to pay them back. He left it in the hands of the One Who is always right in judging.” 1 Peter 2:23 NIV. That is enough for a heart settled in God’s care and character.
Abraham’s conclusion was uncomplicated. “Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?” I assume that was my grandmother’s confidence as well. I learned that from her; I share it with you. Our God is always faithful and righteous.
My prayer for you today is to know and trust God’s love and wisdom.
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