“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!” — Romans 11:33

God doesn’t say, “Into each life a little rain must fall,” and then aim a hose in earth’s general direction to see who gets the wettest. Rather, He screens the trials that come to each of us, allowing only those that accomplish His good plan. He takes no joy in human agony. Nothing happens by accident, not even tragedy, not even sins committed against us. God is in control, and that’s what I love about Him.

True, God’s decrees allow suffering, but He doesn’t “do” the suffering. He’s not the one wielding the club. For instance, in Job’s story, God exploited the deliberate evil of some very bad characters and the impersonal evil of some very bad storms without smothering anyone or anything.

These are deep waters: God exploits but doesn’t smother? How does He pull it off? Welcome to the world of finite humans trying to comprehend an infinite God. What’s clear is that God permits all sorts of things He doesn’t approve of. He allows others to do what He would never do. He didn’t steal Job’s camels or entice bandits to wreak havoc; yet He didn’t take His hand off the wheel for thirty seconds either.

This idea often doesn’t sit well with people. But think of the alternative: What if God insisted on a hands-off policy toward the tragedies swimming your ay? The devil would be unrestrained. Left to his own, he would make Jobs of us all. But God curbs evil. Evil can only raise its head where God deliberately backs away–always for reasons that are specific, wise, and good but often hidden during this present life. (Estes)

Do your circumstances seem to be careening out of control? Remember that God is with you through it, loving you and caring…and allowing the details to play out exactly in accordance with his plan.

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God, enable me to trust in Your love even when life seems wild and crazy and out of control.

Blessings,
Joni and Friends