IF WE ONLY KNEW!

 

Monday, November 20, 2023

 

IF WE ONLY KNEW!

 

1 Cor 2:14-16

14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

 

          If we only knew what God knows about our life and path, we would be less anxious about the future. We are sheep and all we have been given is a profile of the Shepherd. He is both good and kind. He has our best interest at heart. In fact, we know that the Good Shepherd “gives his life for the sheep.” Yet we want to know what He knows, and we want to see what He sees.

 

          Paul’s question is asked again to the Roman church (Romans 8:27 and 11:34). Here we learn that the Holy Spirit prays for us according to the will of God because we do not know what to pray for as we ought. God understands that we do not understand!

 

          If we only knew what God knows we would not resist the plans He has for us. When Peter learned that Jesus was to be crucified, he loudly said: “not so Lord!” Peter could not imagine how the crucifixion might be beneficial. He was sure it was a tragic mistake! Because he did not know – he resisted the very thing that would purchase his redemption.

 

          If we only knew what God knows we would welcome the lion’s den and the fiery furnace because we would see the Lord shut the lions’ mouth and join us in the flames. But we do NOT know and that is what trust is all about. Trust does not need to know all the details of how God will resolve a difficult situation. Trust only needs to know the good nature of God. So, we walk resolutely forward not because we see the way clearly but because we can still see the hem of his garment as He leads.

 

Dear Lord, we still desire to know what you know. We are hardwired by the fall to be stubborn people! But let it be enough to maintain sight of you as you lead us. AMEN