March 2010
The “secret” is simple; the question is whether or not we believe it and will embrace it in our own lives.
The Bible is very clear when it says “To God belong wisdom and power” (Job 12:13). This same one who grappled in perplexity as to why he was suffering when he’d tried to live an “morally upright life, avoiding evil and even interceding for his own kids” (Job 1:1, 5), still knew God’s “wisdom is profound and His power is vast” (9:4).
Isaiah also knew this and wrote “God has great power and mighty strength. . .and no one can fathom His understanding” (Is. 40:26, 28). Daniel said, “Wisdom and power are His” (Dan. 2:20). The Apostle Paul said, “Now to Him that is of power to establish you according to my Gospel. . .God ONLY wise” (Rom. 16:25, 27).
Our problem in understanding and accepting this rests in our view toward God Himself. Likewise, when we confuse or distort this truth by injecting our own finite and petty views into it, which results in both perplexity and deeper confusion.
Truly, in our quest to “know God” and make Him “personal,” we lose sight of His majesty. Instead of seeing Him “high and lifted up in holiness” (Isaiah 6:1-4), we try to bring Him down to our level.
That’s why our talk of His Love causes us to think He’ll always keep bad things from happening to us IF we’ll read our Bibles, go to church, give a tithe and offering, visit the sick, feed the hungry, etc.
But, He never promised us some special immunity from pain, suffering and sorrow if we followed Him; in fact, Jesus Himself said “In this world you WILL have tribulation; but, be of good cheer—I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Contrary to popular belief, God’s wisdom is not—and never has been—a pledge to keep a fallen world happy or make ungodliness comfortable. Likewise, those who teach that He wants His children to always be “healthy, wealthy and happy” need to take a closer look at the life of Jesus, Who sometimes slept on the ground. . .never owned a home. . .got thirsty and weary (Jn. 4). . .and suffered more in every way than we can ever imagine.
But through it all this One, Who was “tempted in every way as we are” (Hebrews 4:14-16), said “I’ll never leave you nor forsake you” (Heb. 13:5b) and promised to be “a very Present Help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
Another part of our problem is interpreting His wisdom and power through the lens of our own, inadequate, finite wisdom and power. There’s no way any of us can foresee every possibility or always be prepared for every unforeseen “inevitability.”
Only God can do that.
And, we’re certainly not Him—even if we so desperately want to be (Genesis 3:5-6).
Our human wisdom is shortsighted at best and all of our power is inadequate to protect us from every hidden foe. Just as Ahithophel, King David’s turncoat counselor, gave sound advice to Absalom (who didn’t follow it) and ended up taking his own life in frustrated despair and wounded pride, so are we brought to the brink of despair in perplexity UNLESS we look to the One Who alone possesses wisdom and power (Ps. 73).
True wisdom is more than a proper application of knowledge that based upon past experience (ours and others’). True wisdom “comes from above” (James 4:13-18) and is only given to those who “fear (reverence) the one true-and-living God” (Ps. 111:10; Proverbs 9:10).
And, that’s why we need to read and study the Bible, dear Reader. It’s only by “hiding God’s Word in our hearts” that we know what to believe, what to do, where to go, etc. (Ps. 119:11, 105; Prov. 3:5-6).
Right now, if you’re “at your wit’s end” (Ps. 107:27), “cry out to God and know He’ll hear your cry and bring you to your desired haven”—which is in His loving arms (Ps. 107:28-30; 40:1-3; Isaiah 61:1-3; Matthew 11:28-30; I Peter 5:7).
In so doing, you’ll discover “His thoughts are not your thoughts and His ways are not your ways; they’re much higher and infinitely wiser and more powerful” (Is. 55:8-9). God bless you.
(NOTE: If you’d like to contact Bro. Tom or receive his daily e-mail devotional, entitled “Morning Manna,” you can write him at P.O. Box 582, Coushatta, LA 71019 or e-mail him at pressingon@hotmail.com).
