“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.”
- Isaiah 55:8
Doubt. It was one of the most common human misgivings about God. For the unsaved - for those who do not believe - it is not unusual that they would question the very power, the very existence of God, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. And so when a tragedy like 911 occurs, or the shootings at Columbine or Newtown, or the beheading of innocent men at the hands of Muslim extremists . . . or the death of a loved one, many are quick to question why God would allow such things to happen.
By our human sin-nature we have been programmed to believe that we can deduce the reason for anything that happens in the world; so when something happens that we simply can’t explain it is difficult for us to process. And far too often we avoid the old principle known as Occam’s Razor (and I am paraphrasing): when multiple explanations are given, the simplest (and most obvious) one is usually correct. The reason we avoid coming to conclusions based on the O.R. principle is because God is all too often the answer! But herein lies the conundrum for most people, believers included - why would an all-powerful and all-loving God allow terrible tragedies to occur? It is within these moments of doubt that our arrogance rises.
‘Now see that I, even I, am He, and there is no God besides Me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; nor is there any who can deliver from My hand.’ - Deuteronomy 32:39. Never wonder; never doubt; never conspire to discover “why.” It is the epitome of arrogance for us to question God’s intent or motives. How dare we do so? Such behavior suggests we are sovereign, not God! Regardless of our pain, bewilderment, and anguish we must remember that God is in charge; God is in control; God has a plan and those plans often lead us to moments of consternation.
Yes, God has ordains all that takes place in the universe . . . including the evil that overcomes us at times. The Lord has made all for Himself, yes, even the wicked for the day of doom. - Proverbs 16:4. We cannot understand it nor are we supposed to in our lifetimes. Lest we forget - there are many who will never understand even the obvious. “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.” - Deuteronomy 29:29.
We must remember that God is all the time working for righteousness and goodness throughout His creation. If we remain faithful to our calling we shall also remember - And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. - Romans 8:28. We may not realize it at the time but we must remain faithful to the end. God will never abandon those who have faith in Jesus Christ! “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” - 1 Peter 4:12-13.
Jesus Christ has given us His solemn promise: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33. Have faith in the Lord. Those who don’t will forever flounder in the morass of doubt and condemnation. In their arrogance, they will shake their fist at heaven and demand answers that will forever escape them.
The day will surely come when the faithful will find rest in God’s assurance - “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” - Revelation 21:4.
For those of us who believe and have faith in God we already have the answer that all too often eludes those who deny Him. God has already explained Himself, though he need never do so - “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” - Isaiah 55:9
May our doubts and misgivings forever be quenched by our everlasting faith in Jesus Christ.
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