“If God were small enough to be understood, he wouldn’t be big enough to be worshipped.”- Evelyn Underhill
In Chapter 13 (“Trusting”) of Walking with God through Pain and Suffering, Timothy Keller states that it is a very difficult assignment to trust the Lord in all things. Pastor Keller notes that God seemed to be absent in Joseph’s life when he was thrown into a cistern and subsequently imprisoned in Egypt. Yet, even though God seemed to be hidden, He also was in complete control.
Had God given Joseph everything that he probably prayed for, the results would not have been in Joseph’s best interests. Pastor Keller points out that God was hearing and responding to Joseph’s prayers, but not in Joseph’s time frame or in the way he wanted his prayers answered.
Regardless of how much we’re able to discern regarding God’s reasons for our suffering, nonetheless we must trust God. God is present and active, whether His answers are slow or swift. Pastor Keller comments on the lesson we can learn from the Joseph story:
“God does not give us exactly what we ask for. Instead he gives us what we would have asked for if we had known everything he knows. We must never assume that we know enough to mistrust God’s ways or be bitter against what he has allowed.”
Today’s question: How have you been intentional in trusting God following your ministry downsizing or vocation loss? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “What is needful?”
New addition to Crown Jewels: “Type T or Type W?”
