Daily Thought For October 16, 2014

The Mystery of God's Ways

My ways are very mysterious at times, even to those who know Me intimately. It's tempting for My followers to try to control the circumstances of their lives by being good enough. They may not even realize this is motivating their behavior. But when circumstances come crashing down around them—sometimes in tragic ways—they may feel as if I have let them down. 

You must leave room for mystery in your worldview—accepting the limitations of your understanding and knowledge. I will never be predictable or controllable, but I am trustworthy. When adversity strikes you or your loved ones, remember the words of Job: "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord." 

Though Job faltered at times during his excruciating ordeal, at the end of it he confessed, "Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know." Likewise, I urge you to view matters you cannot understand as divine mysteries: things too wonderful for you to know. 

Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory. —1 Timothy 3:16 

Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. And he said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the 
LORD." In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong. —Job 1:20-22 

You asked, "Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?" Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. —Job 42:3 

from Jesus Today by Sarah Young pp. 328-329