When the Christian Life Doesn’t Make Sense

 

 

I derive great joy when the Bible teachings appear to fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. However, when they do not, I go into meltdown and crumble. I had just viewed a video about George Muller who had achieved great things for the Lord by merely trusting in Him to provide.

Instead of glorying in the God who had enabled Muller, I grieved that I lacked his faith. Previously, I had derived great comfort from knowing that I simply needed the smallest measure of faith (Luke 17:6), but now I feared I lacked the necessary faith to please the Lord.

My confidence melted. I turned to my journal and laid out my anguish to my Savior. Here’s what He reminded me about:

1.    We are not always going to be able to find a satisfying understanding in this world; Nor should we expect it:

1 Corinthians 8:2 If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. (Romans 11:33)

If we could depend on our understanding alone, it would doubtless make us proud, and we’d neglect faith, thanksgiving, and trusting in God. Instead, we’d feel that were are in control instead of trusting in God:

2 Corinthians 1:8–9 For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.

In View of this, our struggles are a plus and not a minus, a blessing and not a curse, and a gift of God.

2.    While understanding is precious, it will often fail us. We do not even know for what to pray: Romans 8:26–28 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for word. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Perhaps I don’t I need the faith of a George Muller. The Holy Spirit is able to intercede and to guide us (Psalm 23) so that we will not miss out on God’s plan for our lives:

Psalm 138:7–8 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me. The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever…(Eph 2:10; 1 Corinthians 15:10)

3.    Even if our weaknesses and infirmities are overwhelming, we are not disqualified from living a victorious life for Christ but aided. Our Lord had even refused to heal Paul of a satanic “thorn in the flesh” lest he become proud:

2 Corinthians 12:9–10 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

We too must be content with our weaknesses. Rather than disabling Paul, his infirmities ensured that the power of God would rest upon his ministry.

4.    Comparing myself to others is sinful: 2 Corinthians 10:12 Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.

5.    We also have to be content even though we do not have all the answers. Instead, trust-in-God must lead the way: Proverbs 3:5–6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Our Lord gives us different gifts (Matthew 12:29-20) and works with us in distinctive ways according to His distinctive plan for our lives. We are not George Mullers, but nor is he us. Consequently, we have to be content with our calling. How? By knowing that He loves each one of His children beyond anything we can comprehend (Ephesians 3:19; Galatians 3:28).