What If?

As seniors, we have probably lived long enough to learn that many things in life are well beyond our control.  Other people, the weather, world events, ad infinitum.  Even though so many things are out of our control, do you see any advantage to being able to predict future events? 

Wouldn’t it be nice if God always acted in a predictable way?  I mean, in a way that made sense to us, and we could understand and support with our approval.  Do the angels in heaven ever wonder about God’s actions?  

What would it be like to understand the actions of God in every moment of time?  Oh, sure.  We’d still have questions because we are human, and things like injustice, tragedy, and pain would still abound everywhere because we live in a sinful world.  But at least God and His actions would be clearly understood by those of us who love Him.  Wouldn’t that be really neat?  

The Benefits

If it were possible to clearly understand God and His actions, we would no longer struggle with our doubts, wondering if God heard our prayers.  We would even understand why He didn’t seem to respond to our prayers and come to our aide in a more timely manner.   

I don’t speak for you, but I have had some pretty candid conversations with God. In fact, candid is putting it pretty mildly.  I’ve been really upset with Him and, at times, didn’t restrain myself from speaking very frankly.  I mean, don’t we have the correct expectation to believe our friends will have our best interests at heart and always have our back?

The Reality

The fact is, I don’t always know what is best, but God does.  Oh, there are times I think I know, but over the course of time, it has become very clear that I really have no clue.  Many times, over the years, I have mapped out a course of action that I knew would result in a great outcome for me.  

Apparently, I’m not alone.  An example from the Bible, Numbers 14, relates how God had told the Israelites they must return to the wilderness because they refused to believe He would give them the victory over the powerful giants in the land of Canaan.  The Israelites were very disappointed and angry so they, on their own, mobilized an army and charged into Canaan to battle their enemies – without God’s protection.  The Ark and Moses remained in the camp.  The wannabe soldiers were soundly defeated and returned crestfallen.

The Help

Thankfully, God has given us good friends here on earth to help us navigate life.  On top of my list is my wife, Dianne.  I also have good friends in OAMC.  Even tenors!  Each of us has challenges to face every day, but the camaraderie we share is a special gift from God, and I am hopeful that we soon may be able to continue our fellowshipping and singing.

As the years continue to pile on, it becomes more and more clear to me that having chosen to commit my life to Jesus is the best decision I have ever made.  Even when He seems to do things that are beyond my understanding, He has been, is being, and will continue to be my very best Friend.  If the same is not yet true for you, may it soon be so.

The Objective

I aspire to: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and He will make your paths straight.  Proverbs 3:5-6 [NIV]

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