“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” – 1 Cor. 2:14
Have you ever thought about what the world thinks of you as a Christian? Have you ever considered how foolish we must seem to be in their sight? For example, when it comes to what we believe about problems, pain, and suffering, the natural mind just doesn’t get it. Christians say pain is profitable, loss is gain, less is more, etc. and it leaves unbelivers in a whirlwind of confusion. They don’t understand – but that’s understandable! How could they? The natural man, the unregenerate person, “receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” He might know about God, but he doesn’t know God and consequently he can’t understand the things of God. Trying to explain the ways of God to an unsaved person is like trying to describe a sunset to a blind man.
But, let’s be honest – even we Christians don’t always understand all the ways of God. However, we don’t need to. It’s not a matter of understanding. It is a matter of believing what God says and trusting what He does. Were we able to understand it all there would be no such thing as faith – we would be as God, and it’s obvious we aren’t. The truth is, God doesn’t expect us to understand all He does, but He does command us to trust Him. And without such faith we cannot please him ( Heb. 11:6).
As much as I want to help those going through troubles and trials, it’s not my responsibility, nor within my ability, to explain everything so they can understand. I’m just a messenger, not a miracle worker. It’s my duty, and delight, to expound the truth about God. It is their responsibility to “repent” and “believe” ( Mk.1:15; Acts 20:21). So when find yourself facing some great difficulty, stop asking “When will I get out of this?” and start asking “What will I get out of this?”. Rather than getting bitter, believe that your troubles will make things better, because God promised that, “…. all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”. – HDS
More on this tomorrow. Lord willing!
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
