Wednesday, April 13, 2022

Reflection - Journeying With God - When there are no answers

Source (book): "He Walks with Me - Devotions for Your Caregiving Journey with God", PART I "JOURNEYING WITH GOD", Chapter 6 "When there are no answers", Page 20.
Adapted from books by Shelly Beach: Ambushed By Grace: Help and Hope in the Caregiving Journey, and It Is Well with My Soul.


I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
PHOTO: I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
I will sing the Lord's praise,
for he has been good to me.
- (Psalm 13:5-6)

Remember the story of Joseph? What Jacob's favourite son had to endure offered little visible evidence that God was working out things "for his good", at least at the time.

Kidnapped by his own brothers and sold off as a slave, Joseph was stripped of his freedom, reputation, and the comforts of home. Then he was falsely accused of rape and imprisoned.

Anyone in Joseph's position would have found it hard to hold on to God's promises. It wouldn't be too surprising if he asked God, "Why is all this happening?"

The answer, however, didn't come till many years later, when Joseph saw how God was using him to deliver the people of Israel from famine (Genesis 45:4-7).

While God welcomes our honest questions, we need to be prepared for the possibility that we won't get the answers we seek. Our hearts may cry out for answers we can understand, but the truth is, because we're humans, there are limits to our comprehension; we're not God. Our only hope is to trust a God who is sovereign over all things to use them for our good - even our sufferings.

All men of great faith, from Joseph to David, have at one point or other questioned God when things went wrong. And they all came to the same conclusion: they bowed down to God's ultimate goodness and sovereignty, for that was the only answer. That's how David was able to keep singing to Lord's praise in the midst of trouble (Psalm 13:5-6).

This truth is just as real now as it was in biblical times. Philana Lai went through periods of doubting God's love after her prayers for help and healing for her ailing parents went unanswered. She takes care of a father who has dementia and has also suffered a stroke, as well as a mother with kidney failure. As she continued to ask questions, however, she began to find that she could accept not getting answers to her questions.

"It's a journey," she says. Sometimes I really don't know what to do, but I continue to go to God. I tell him: "I can't, but You can." I learn to trust in His sovereignty and power, and trust that He knows and understands.

Are you struggling to trust Him today? Are you afraid to trust Him with someone you love or a circumstance beyond your control? Know that you stand with Joseph and David in your struggle. And may your desire be to respond as they all did - in submission and faith, and to trust in the sovereign God who loves you.

Let your faith rest on the character of a trustworthy God.


I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
I will sing the Lord's praise,
for he has been good to me.
- (Psalm 13:5-6)


I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
PHOTO: I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord's praise, for he has been good to me. - (Psalm 13:5-6)
Picture posted by DailyVerses.net
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHXBtVTll_yF6nb4Ej32I9r_vSizQgowH4qLo7bEacgPVYKBY2rQCpeME4sG4eU4qHGWusmWFnd_4JEH-vJQoi65rhdP3WreC8khUfJu_hXqRRmGRfsrZPWaqpPTbhBkPztW2gdtFGS1gGFuHO9YEIe3KYEwBJC12gcu0KorkPg2jxTRTcKQaVQLCa/s1376/psalms-13-5-6.jpg
https://dailyverses.net/images/en/niv/xl/psalms-13-5-6.jpg
https://dailyverses.net/psalms/13/5-6


Remember the story of Joseph? What Jacob's favourite son had to endure offered little visible evidence that God was working out things "for his good", at least at the time.

Kidnapped by his own brothers and sold off as a slave, Joseph was stripped of his freedom, reputation, and the comforts of home. Then he was falsely accused of rape and imprisoned.


Kidnapped by his own brothers and sold off as a slave, Joseph was stripped of his freedom, reputation, and the comforts of home.
PHOTO: Kidnapped by his own brothers and sold off as a slave, Joseph was stripped of his freedom, reputation, and the comforts of home. Then he was falsely accused of rape and imprisoned.
Picture posted by DocPlayer
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr5lxb7FKE2Qj1FjHjGFMTVinQpKQNwoPJMhIqJERT94YBir8D2UMJRBkMbl4N9rY_OnY_NTLUXDTscrtIkjZusV5Di5B0m6POZdre_AJIkWP7wMFwHkHIDgDGKz3SIPoCQoYWgp4tMeb0mPvbWeaAazV2Ii0p3_BGU8wbM4vaYgUgerdflx8yWIED/s1495/113-0.jpg
https://docplayer.com.br/docs-images/62/46920076/images/113-0.jpg
https://docplayer.com.br/46920076-Similar-com-seu-pai-celestial-mas-como-poder-a-achegar-se-a-jeov-a.html


Anyone in Joseph's position would have found it hard to hold on to God's promises. It wouldn't be too surprising if he asked God, "Why is all this happening?"

The answer, however, didn't come till many years later, when Joseph saw how God was using him to deliver the people of Israel from famine (Genesis 45:4-7).


Anyone in Joseph's position would have found it hard to hold on to God's promises.
PHOTO: Anyone in Joseph's position would have found it hard to hold on to God's promises. It wouldn't be too surprising if he asked God, "Why is all this happening?"
The answer, however, didn't come till many years later, when Joseph saw how God was using him to deliver the people of Israel from famine (Genesis 45:4-7).
Picture from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - Joseph Makes Himself Known to His Brethren
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5YG4f1Nznr9OLON6PVjgtRd-k3tWXXk2GFtu1_qoUKN7Xg91bR2uTM1SLlZU3wcT0xA5suIXqJ9ZVkl7JdUncoNB4VJdlEKqxuSn1vRIpXFuskujJpOLnvKiFaiFiJg1wRafxViRTjDwmDZ0hS2APOuEyuoYuUNjVlrkwaZJ38h0Uwrw-iTUTTqM/s2741/Dore_Bible_Joseph_Makes_Himself_Known_to_His_Brethren_1.jpg
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/ba/Dore_Bible_Joseph_Makes_Himself_Known_to_His_Brethren.jpg
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Dore_Bible_Joseph_Makes_Himself_Known_to_His_Brethren.jpg


While God welcomes our honest questions, we need to be prepared for the possibility that we won't get the answers we seek. Our hearts may cry out for answers we can understand, but the truth is, because we're humans, there are limits to our comprehension; we're not God. Our only hope is to trust a God who is sovereign over all things to use them for our good - even our sufferings.


While God welcomes our honest questions, we need to be prepared for the possibility that we won't get the answers we seek.
PHOTO: While God welcomes our honest questions, we need to be prepared for the possibility that we won't get the answers we seek. Our hearts may cry out for answers we can understand, but the truth is, because we're humans, there are limits to our comprehension; we're not God. Our only hope is to trust a God who is sovereign over all things to use them for our good - even our sufferings.
Picture posted by Bridgestone Multimedia Group
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBB0MDMahXv6oBLgni9l2YnVQ2WpSbou_0mf80dydx_eIcaztnVUx5Qhmn6EUi1RbhCK_tDkXdZw8Z9vg65vA3dwXtPGFSbjxwXGdnp-XBP1pgMU4JI-ppgPXdeCxNAiXfPfVs8ZKwfkFhaTkEw3wX0GxB1S6Sl7paCz72B9UeRqw18b7y27aPTRJ/s2560/Joseph_and_His_Brethren-3x4-1920x2560-AMZ_1.png
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https://www.gobmg.com/product/joseph-and-his-brethren/


All men of great faith, from Joseph to David, have at one point or other questioned God when things went wrong. And they all came to the same conclusion: they bowed down to God's ultimate goodness and sovereignty, for that was the only answer. That's how David was able to keep singing to Lord's praise in the midst of trouble (Psalm 13:5-6).


All men of great faith, from Joseph to David, have at one point or other questioned God when things went wrong.
PHOTO: All men of great faith, from Joseph to David, have at one point or other questioned God when things went wrong. And they all came to the same conclusion: they bowed down to God's ultimate goodness and sovereignty, for that was the only answer.
Picture posted by Heaven's Light
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRV-SWs47nglET0mCoqTw8Tdlj3VDio4qRzOh1441IS05qQ6mwFCEfT6v7yGTp6L4-GAr7huTM4xOeY3HhHVAyeqWEbZd2AAHBzADmRX_FbTv4_Gj4FalgHYxBR19c4vfBEe6ay5eAcnpfqWO9Cq8w1KrLcAaFkPx-UBzIZL9bcYf-FjT97Z5W1aj/s1164/SoveriegntyCover3-900x1164.jpg
http://heavenslight.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/SoveriegntyCover3.jpg
http://heavenslight.org/index.php/sovereignty-of-god-old/


This truth is just as real now as it was in biblical times. Philana Lai went through periods of doubting God's love after her prayers for help and healing for her ailing parents went unanswered. She takes care of a father who has dementia and has also suffered a stroke, as well as a mother with kidney failure. As she continued to ask questions, however, she began to find that she could accept not getting answers to her questions.

"It's a journey," she says. Sometimes I really don't know what to do, but I continue to go to God. I tell him: "I can't, but You can." I learn to trust in His sovereignty and power, and trust that He knows and understands.


It's a journey
PHOTO: "It's a journey," she says. Sometimes I really don't know what to do, but I continue to go to God. I tell him: "I can't, but You can." I learn to trust in His sovereignty and power, and trust that He knows and understands.
Picture posted by leyla'nın köşesi@beyazbirbulut1 on 29 April 2018 at 08:25 pm
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUzv0oG4tUDJY8pyNORroAEhdht9Cn3Ra4OL9iO5BOSK7kcgY2P1ez6pjLs7aJhMLNRUrHe8kRfOBZQcD2rvQjF1YE-XHC4IUvTbPiWld-0dMEAO494GKJyoxRU7wssX6prCbECPfl2bDjBDFnp_WNocpl2ycUh30u1zcu7jXD38VL-zYJj6je_Fx/s886/Db80CfPX4AASICW.jpeg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Db80CfPX4AASICW?format=jpg&name=900x900
https://twitter.com/beyazbirbulut1/status/990567738795085824


Are you struggling to trust Him today? Are you afraid to trust Him with someone you love or a circumstance beyond your control? Know that you stand with Joseph and David in your struggle. And may your desire be to respond as they all did - in submission and faith, and to trust in the sovereign God who loves you.

Let your faith rest on the character of a trustworthy God.


Let your faith rest on the character of a trustworthy God.
 

Dear Father
PHOTO: "Dear Father, You know that I struggle to understand why You don't put a stop to my suffering. Help me to submit to Your will, knowing Your goodness brings justice and purpose to things that seem irreconcilable in my eyes. Help me to understand that You alone are the measure of truth and justice. Help me to trust You even when I cannot feel Your presence.

Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!"
Picture posted by Free Wallpaper Quotes
Reflection - Journeying With God - When there are no answers
Source (book): "He Walks with Me - Devotions for Your Caregiving Journey with God", PART I "JOURNEYING WITH GOD", Chapter 6 "When there are no answers", Page 20.
Adapted from books by Shelly Beach: Ambushed By Grace: Help and Hope in the Caregiving Journey, and It Is Well with My Soul.



"Faithful to the end", A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon

'Faithful to the end', A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon<br>
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html


"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html 


"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, © 2018 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html
 

"Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, © 2019 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part.html
 

Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part_9.html
 

"Teach Us to Number Our Days", © 2008 by David Roper

Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 1 - 40 (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 November 2021
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 1 - 40 (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 November 2021
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2021/11/reflection-number-our-days-chapter-1-40.html
 
 
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 41 - 64 (Links), posted on Wednesday, 16 March 2022
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 41 - 64 (Links), posted on Wednesday, 16 March 2022
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/03/reflection-number-our-days-chapter-41.html



Reference
[1] From "He Walks with Me - Devotions for Your Caregiving Journey with God", Copyright © 2018 by Our Daily Bread Ministries, PART I "JOURNEYING WITH GOD", Chapter 6 "When there are no answers", Page 20-21.


Links


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