In the second chapter of the book, DeMoss doesn't start where you think she would start in a book about women, yet she starts in the best place -who God is. She walks through Romans 11:33-36:
Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
“For who has known the mind of the Lord,
or who has been his counselor?”
“Or who has given a gift to him
that he might be repaid?”
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
By looking at who God is, and then believing He is who He says He is, we are able to yield to His plan for our lives instead of doing what we want to do, as my daughter says. God is rich. He possesses everything. He has given us everything we have, and He can give us anything as He chooses. He knows everything, which means He knows everything about me, my past, my fears, my sins, my desires. His ways are inscrutable, and this is the thing that blows us away.
We ask how a good God who possesses all things and knows all things can do something that seems ridiculous or wrong to us. If our financial situation doesn't allow us to go on an exotic vacation or put back a large sum of money for our children's education or pay for a needed surgery, we ask why a God who possesses everything can't provide for us. If we have to deal with the most inconsiderate husband or struggle with ongoing depression, we can ask why a God who knows everything won't make everything better. I assume based on my own experience we all ask these questions of God, but I know when I ask them I am forgetting that I serve a God whose ways are inscrutable.
Knowing who God is doesn't negate our hardships. It only helps us to deals with our hardships in a biblical manner. DeMoss lists several examples from the Bible in which the women involved didn't understand God's sovereign plan, but from our point of view in story of redemption, we see that God was working for His good as well as their good: Ruth, widowed and parted from her people; Hannah, suffering infertility; and Mary, facing a teenage pregnancy and watching her Son die on the cross). Like these women, we have to continue obey the Word when life doesn't seem fair and things don't go our way.
"For from him and through him and to him are all things." All things...it is hard to grasp, isn't it? Any time I grumble and complain about my circumstances it is directed toward God. Why didn't my kids take a nap? Why didn't anyone help me clean up after supper? Why didn't she invite me to go with them to lunch? All these questions reveal the state of my heart, the passions at war within me - mainly selfishness. I am craving something other than God, and in turn, I'm angry with God for not giving me what I want. Thus, we must remember God orchestrates everything, gives us the strength to endure anything, and receives the glory for all things.
DeMoss concludes with three things a woman must do if she is going to ascribe to this marvelous view of God. She must have a God-centered life, she must trust God, and she must say, "Yes, Lord." Oh, how I how struggle to do each of these. I am a me-focused person. I enjoy worrying more about what needs to be fixed in my house than I enjoy thinking about a God who fixed the universe. I don't trust that God will bring good in my situation. What good will come of sleepless nights, disappointing turnouts at a church function, or seasons of spiritual dullness? And, I don't say, "Yes, Lord." I usually say, "But...,Lord?" If you really love me, you'll make my baby sleep, so I don't have to wrestle him all night; you'll help me be more patient right now, so I don't speak harshly with my children; and you'll help my children better receive instruction today, so I don't see like the horrible, crazy parent who can't control her kids. But, instead, I must recall over and over again, "the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!"
The lyrics to "God Moves in a Mysterious Way" by William Cowper
God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will.
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.
His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.
Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.
1 comment:
Thanks for the good word, Cass! I needed it!
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