Things I Don't Understand

This blog post is a collection of thoughts I have had lately. I have a feeling that I will be preaching on them soon, if I feel the spirit's leading. I will think of posting that as well if people are interested.

I have heard Bishop T.F. Tenney often speak of things we don't understand. He uses quite a few funny points to illustrate this:

• They say nothing sticks to Teflon...How does Teflon stick to the pan?
  
• Why do kamikaze pilots wear helmets?
• Why do we drive in parkways and park in driveways?

These are quite trivial and to most of us unimportant but in our lives we find what seem to be more relevant whys. Why do we go through bad things? Why do we loose family members and loved ones? Why does sickness paralyze us and why do we have to battle opposition on every side?

There is of course a basic theological answer to these questions. The truth is bad things do not happen to good people. The bible establishes the fact that there is in reality none good, none that does good, no not one (Romans 3:10 -12). God's righteous judgment against our sin means we will go through these things. Good answer? Maybe but it still leaves many questions to be asked.

What about the justified? Doesn't the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross make them free from sin and "just as if they never did it"? Why do so many of the way of righteous suffer? Why isn't life easier or better for them? Why does it seems at times that the righteous struggle while the sinner is in ease, comfort and prosperity?

David seems to look so strong but in reading the Psalms I realize he often struggled with many of these questions. I dare say that David was blessed to live when he did because had he released some of his songs in this present world many would be in opposition to them because of his transparency.

Ps 73:2-5
2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.
3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.
5 They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.

Job in much the same way questioned:

Job 3:11-12
11 Why died I not from the womb? why did I not give up the ghost when I came out of the belly?
12 Why did the knees prevent me? or why the breasts that I should suck?

Are not all of our whys as David put it?

Ps 73:16

16 When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;

I have come to realize that God just has his way of doing things. I will never understand all of the ways of God and anyone who claims to is greatly mistaken. God allows what he wills and prevents what he wills and it is this fact that gives me comfort.

On my Youtube channel I have uploaded a sermon preached last month at The Pentecostals of Alexandria by Evangelist Morton Bustard. I would advise every reader to check it out. It really spoke to me. In that message a point was made that has just stuck with me - "Why did God train Joseph in the pit for a palace and turn around and train Moses in the palace for the wilderness? I don't know but the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord (Pro 37:23). " Sounds somewhat unfair but still it gives me comfort because I know with God ordering my steps things are going to work out. I would also advise readers to check out Dr. Daniel Seagraves' series on suffering on Hope University at www.thereishopefortoday.com .

David's question has an answer which puts everything into focus:

Ps 73:17-20
Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.
18 Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.
19 How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.
20 As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.

David does not speak of receiving some great blessing or being prospered. It even appears that he is the same man that we read of earlier in the passage, but it is the same man who has had his focus readjusted. He may not have received all the physical benefits of the here and now but he was assured of the fact that he had an eternal benefit - The wicked would be cut off but those who trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion (Ps 125:1). David had to learn as we all need to learn our response to all of the questions is having faith in God. We may not receive all the physical blessings we desire in this life but we can die in faith, not receiving the promises but seeing them afar off (Heb 11:13) choosing the better resurrection of Heaven (Heb 11:35)

I close with a contrast point to all of this which happens to be another thing I don't understand. May it be a word of hope to you:

Ps 8:3-9
3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
5 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
6 Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:
7 All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;
8 The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.
9 O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

D.C. Lake