“You don’t understand now . . someday you will.” John 13:7 NLT.

More than answers, it is assurance and trust that give you peace of mind.

My thoughts and comments today are about “life’s questions.”

As a teenager, I did not always understand my father’s reasons for some of the decisions he made, especially as they related to what I could or could not do. I was especially frustrated when his only explanation was, “In time, you will understand.” I was impatient. I felt I needed to understand right then. In truth, it wasn’t understanding I wanted; I knew he was probably right. I wanted him to explain so I could debate his reasons and persuade him differently. By the way, that never worked. Dad was right; in time, I did understand. His life experience gave him a broader view and practical wisdom. Trusting and obeying my Dad saved me from needless hurts.

Many times and things in your world will confuse you. People’s conduct and unkindness can be quite bewildering. Sometimes, your own behavior will perplex you and. Who has the answer for why bad things happen to good people and don’t happen to others in the same ways? David wrestled with life’s questions about apparent inequities, as the wicked appeared to prosper while the righteous presently suffered. “But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled . . when I saw the prosperity of the wicked . . when I thought how to understand this, it was too painful for me – until I went into the sanctuary of God. Then I understood . .” Read Psalm 73 NKJV. In time, David understood. There are a lot of things for which neither you nor I have explanation. Life presents questions and you might not have answers when you want those most.

To His disciples, Jesus said much the same as my Dad did, “In time, you will understand.” Just hours before Jesus’ night of betrayal and worst suffering, Jesus did something baffling for the disciples. Like a common, household servant, Jesus washed the disciples’ feet. Read John 13:1-17 NLT. Peter’s question, “Why?” may sound familiar. Jesus’ response was not an explanation; it was just an assurance, “You do not understand now why I am doing this; someday you will.” Vs. 7.

Jesus knew what they couldn’t know. These same men would betray and all desert Him. They would later remember this moment and realize He expressed mercy before they knew they needed mercy. In that selfless act, He had forgiven their sins before they committed them. Answers can’t give you peace of heart and mind. Assurance and trust does, every time. It seems arrogant to question God’s wisdom and care.

“Now we see things imperfectly as in a poor mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God knows me now.” 1 Corinthians 13:12 NLT. Stand firm on the truth you know, and trust God for what you do not yet understand. “Oh, the depths of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out.” Romans 11:33-34 NKJV. Can’t you learn to trust a God like that, who would die on a cross for you? God can be trusted with your life’s questions. In time, you will understand.

My prayer for you today is that you rest safe in your knowledge of God’s loving care.