By Rae Lynn DeAngelis
One of the most difficult concepts for our human minds to grasp is why a loving God would allow so much pain and suffering into the world. We reason that God could stop all the turmoil in the world with one simple command, so why doesn’t He?
“‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the LORD. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’” (Isaiah 55:8-9)
We may not know the mind of God, but we can know the steadfast character of God. Our immutable Father is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He does not change. He is all-knowing, all-powerful, and ever-present.
“I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.” (Isaiah 46:9)
God is forgiving, loving, patient, compassionate, and gentle. But let us not forget that He is also sovereign, righteous, and just. If God allows pain and suffering to take place in our lives, we must trust that He has a plan and purpose for it.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
God has this world (and everything in it) in the palm of His hand. He is not surprised by our day to day events. He knows them in advance and has already measured the outcome of each against the grand scheme of His design.
“When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?” (Psalms 8:3-4)
It’s difficult to see the complete picture of a mosaic up close, but when you step back and view it from a distance you can see how each individual piece plays an intricate part in the picture as a whole.
Life is like a mosaic. Each person’s existence is intricately woven into God’s beautiful design. Our vision is so limited, but God perspective is complete. He sees the big picture. He knows how each harmonious piece connects to another.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
“But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” (Psalm 33:11)
We must trust the Lord to work out the details of our lives—even when we don’t understand how or why.
Beautifully said. Thank you. I have wondered for awhile what my life meant in this world. I see it as a daily struggle and battle within is undeniable. Questioning him the value of my existence. But it is not all that…Life is wonderful if God is in it. Happiness, peace, and love emanate from him. And you cannot find it else where if you haven’t accepted him. Yes, his thoughts and ways are higher than ours, which is why we should put all our trust in him. Because we are nothing without him.