I wrote the following blog several months ago but set it aside and did not publish it. A few days after that, I received an update from a dear friend who is battling cancer with all his might. He referred to the John 13:7 passage that I use at the beginning of this blog. For some reason, I failed to ever publish my words…but today I will. I dedicate this blog to Tom Hill. He is walking through the hardest season of his life, with Jesus (and Tom’s girls) right by his side. His words about his journey have inspired and encouraged me! Tom, you are so loved.
Jesus replied, “You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.” John 13:7
Jesus and His disciples were about to share the Passover Supper together. Since not one of them felt it was their job to do it, Jesus began to wash the feet of everyone attending. Always passionate, ever impulsive Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” We cannot begin to understand the cultural differences of their time and how the washing of feet was for the lowest of servants to perform. Peter was shocked at Jesus’ actions. Jesus knew Peter wouldn’t understand and thus his statement.
While Peter would come to understand that becoming a ‘servant’ to all was part of God’s plan for us as Jesus’ followers, there are many other things that Peter did not, and we will not understand…now. But ‘someday’ is coming.
THIS I KNOW…
THERE IS NO NEED TO UNDERSTAND – RIGHT NOW
“For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9
How can we possibly understand the level of anger and hatred being spewed out…especially when it is, at times, from our own lips, text or tweet? How can we fathom children and young adults suffering with life-ending illnesses when their lives are just beginning? How can we accept the circumstances of life that are so painful, disappointing and depressing? How can we abide those individuals who (as the Bible says) RUN to do evil?
GOD IS DOING A THING – RIGHT NOW
“He is the Rock; His deeds are perfect. Everything He does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; How just and upright He is!” Deuteronomy 32:4
“Truly, O God of Israel, our Savior, You work in mysterious ways.” Isaiah 45:15
Right NOW,
I know Jehovah God is at work in the lives of His followers and in the world around us.
I know He can be Trusted with our lives, with our circumstances and with all those we care about.
I know He is Good.
I know the joy and peace I enjoy are all because of Him.
I know He is as close as breath…as close as a whispered prayer.
SOMEDAY I WILL UNDERSTAND – UNTIL THEN, I WILL TRUST
Dear Yeshua, My understanding is so limited, but your ways are purposeful and perfect in their timing. I realize that ‘Someday’ may not come until I am with you in eternity. Teach me to be okay with that. Thank you for your patience with me. Thank you for never wasting anything. Thank you for assuring me that someday I will understand. You are Trustworthy. You are Holy. You are Good. Trusting you, Cheryl
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