How and When

"And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:23). "God makes a home for the lonely" (Psalm 68:6). "He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. . . . He makes the barren woman abide in the house as a joyful mother of children" (Psalm 113:7&9). "Who heals all your diseases" (Psalm 103:3). "Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6). "I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go" (Psalm 32:8).

These are a sampling of verses that Christians claim and cling to for action they want God to take in their lives. Often, however, believers are frustrated and discouraged when they don't see the desired answers. Their hearts cry out, "God, You have said this, but when will You do it? Why don't I see Your answer?"

As a starting point, one must accurately consider how to evaluate verses like these. Are they actual promises? Are there stated conditions for the promise? Are they promises to a particular Biblical character or group of people? Are they statements of general fact or habitual action? Are they general principles? Not every verse can be considered a promise for every individual.

Considering the healing of illnesses, for example, God does heal. He is the Great Physician, and His healing is often incredible to the point of being unexplainable by human doctors. Every disease that is healed is through God. God did make specific promises of healing to certain people and groups in the Bible, but He does not promise healing of every disease for every Christian. In fact, Scripture clearly reveals that the absence of healing is sometimes God's plan.

People will disagree to some extent about which of the verses above are actual promises for every individual and which are principles or general statements. Even allowing for possible misinterpretation of a verse's intent, however, there is a basic level at which these verses can unquestionably be understood. These verses definitely reveal God's character and reflect common ways in which His loving heart is practically displayed toward His children. Even with expectations at that level, Christians can still become frustrated and discouraged. Individual Christians wonder when God will show His love to them in these practical ways. They wonder when God will answer their prayers and intervene in their lives. They want to know when their faith will be rewarded.

Faith is always based on the Word of God. It is not merely a feeling or overwhelming sense that God is going to do something. Therefore, Christians must be careful about claiming specific personal results: I will get married, I will have a baby, I will get that job, I will have financial stability, I will be healed, or that individual will get saved. Certainly, Christians can have faith in God's power to be able to do those things. They can know that God can perform those actions, and they can even know that such action would be consistent with God's character, but they cannot know that He definitely will perform them in a particular situation.

There are promises that are unquestionably intended for every believer. "I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5). "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him" (James 1:5). "Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16). "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you" (James 4:8). "Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time" (I Peter 5:6).

Even with these certain promises, Christians sometimes struggle to see the answers. They still become impatient and frustrated. It is instructional to note that even when there is a specific promise for a specific person, the manner and timing of that answer does not always fit human expectations. Abraham, for example, and many others never saw the fulfillment of what God had promised them, but that doesn't mean God did not keep His word. "All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance" (Hebrews 11:13).

In fact, these delays or disappointments in seeing answers are the perfect environment for exercising faith. Faith at its very core is about believing what is not seen or what cannot be seen. Faith does not require understanding how and when God will answer; it requires confidence that He will answer. While the how and when are sometimes overwhelmingly important to an individual in need, the manner and timing of the answer cannot consume him. Those aspects lie within God's wisdom and power. God will answer. He will act in love toward His children. He will respond in keeping with His character. The exact timing of His visible response and the precise method of His answer will be determined by Him.

While a believer waits for an answer that is in keeping with God's character and consistent with the principles of the Bible, or even that is clearly revealed as God's promise, he must continue trusting God. Rather than demanding immediate results, he must recognize the possibility of his own limitations and fallibility. Perhaps he has not accurately understood the verse he is claiming. Perhaps he hasn't understood the method of God's answer. Maybe he hasn't prayed enough or waited long enough.

Although there are things outside man's ability to understand, Christians can trust God. They can keep following and serving Him while they wait. They can respond with submission, praying, "Father, answer in Your time and in Your way. I choose to trust."

Trust and Defer

Current life circumstances have me frequently pondering some familiar verses. "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 your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6).
         
There are times and situations in life when we don't know the answers and don't know what steps to take next. Our hearts are inclined toward God, and we want to do the right thing, but we don't know exactly what that is.

Because we don't know, our own inadequate understanding is not a trusty guide. Instead of leaning on our own understanding, we must depend on God's understanding, which is infinitely superior to ours. What doesn’t make sense to us makes perfect sense to God. While we can't trust our own understanding, we can definitely trust God's understanding. He not only knows every answer, but He also knows the means of achieving each answer.

"Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, or as His counselor has informed Him? With whom did He consult and who gave Him understanding? And who taught Him in the path of justice and taught Him knowledge and informed Him of the way of understanding?" (Isaiah 40:14-15).

"Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!" (Romans 11:33).

"'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,' declares the LORD. 'For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts'" (Isaiah 55:8-9).

God's immense wisdom is not the only reason to trust Him. God also has all the power and control necessary to direct every situation in life. From the largest situation to the smallest detail, God can powerfully and precisely intervene. I've seen Him do it repeatedly in my own life. I've seen intricately arranged timing and perfectly arranged circumstances. This is not a challenge for God. We can trust Him not only to know the right answer, but also to bring that answer effectively to pass.

"Lift up your eyes on high and see who has created these stars, the One who leads forth their host by number, He calls them all by name; because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power, not one of them is missing" (Isaiah 40:26).

"All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, but He does according to His will in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and no one can ward off His hand or say to Him, 'What have You done?'" (Daniel 4:35).

"The LORD of hosts has sworn saying, 'Surely, just as I have intended so it has happened, and just as I have planned so it will stand'" (Isaiah 14:24).

"For nothing will be impossible with God" (Luke 1:37).

Since God knows all things, since He can do all things, and since we can trust Him whole-heartedly, it is entirely logical to allow Him to make decisions for us. At each step along the way, we can acknowledge God. We can look to Him in each decision. We can seek His input, stepping aside and letting Him decide. We can leave every decision to God, resolved to follow whatever answer He chooses.

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you" (Psalm 32:8).

"But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him" (James 1:5).

"Make me know Your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, or You are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all the day" (Psalm 25:4).

When we consistently look to God to show His desire and to make the decisions for us, God will show us the right path. He will lead faithfully, and He will properly direct. He will produce the right and best outcome.

"As for God, His way is blameless; the word of the LORD is tried; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him" (Psalm 18:30).

"I will cry to God Most High, to God who accomplishes all things for me" (Psalm 57:2).

Because we are human, it is hard for us not to know. It is hard to wait for situations to play themselves out. Even when we want to trust God and when we think we are trusting Him, we often find ourselves faltering. Our thoughts become anxious, and our minds become busy with trying to find answers. That is when we must deliberately stop ourselves and remember the truths of Proverbs 3:5-6. "I can trust Him. He does know. He will do the best thing." As long as we remember these truths, we can rest in the care He will give, and as long as we acknowledge God in each situation, we can be confident in the outcome He will arrange.

Trust His Understanding (Sonnet 27)

I cannot trust myself; I am too weak,
But I must trust in God with all my heart.
Completely helpless, He’s the one I seek.
I lean on Him to show me ev’ry part.
My God knows things that I can’t understand;
His thoughts are so much higher than my own.
I cannot lean on help from my own hand,
But humbly seek wise counsel at His throne.
In ev’ry path I must see my great need
And look to Him to be my trusty Guide.
Acknowledging His wisdom, not impede;
Remove myself and let my God decide.
Then He will wisely lead me through each gate,
And He’ll direct each path and make it straight.

The Details

How significant are little things? Especially within the big decisions of life, we are often aware of the impact of minor components, either good or bad, on the bigger picture. We see how things could have turned out differently. Can we trust that delays and disappointments, though frustrating and seemingly defeating, are under the control of God and even purposefully orchestrated by Him to accomplish His purposes?

The book of Esther tells a story of enormous consequence: the Jews living in Persia were slated for annihilation. "Letters were sent by couriers to all the king's provinces to destroy, to kill and to annihilate all the Jews, both young and old, women and children" (Esther 3:13). With stakes that large, the solution was realized through a series of details that could easily be defined as chance.

King Ahasuerus decided to give a banquet (1:3).

Influenced by alcohol, Ahasuerus decided to parade Queen Vashti before his male guests (1:10-11).

Vashti refused Ahasuerus's demand (1:12).

In a fit of anger (2:1), Ahasuerus asked advice for handling Vashti's rebellion (1:13-15).

Ahasuerus's advisors feared widespread domestic rebellion inspired by Vashti's example and recommended her removal as queen (1:16-20).

Ahasuerus approved choosing a new queen through a "beauty pageant" (2:2-4).

Esther's parents had died, and her uncle Mordecai was caring for her (2:7).

Esther was beautiful and of an appropriate age to enter the contest (2:7).

Esther was chosen as a candidate, apparently not of her own volition (2:8).

Esther immediately found special favor with the custodian of the women (2:9).

In spite of being Jewish, Esther was accepted for the contest (2:10).

The annihilation plan was not initiated until after the year-long preliminary preparation of the contestants (2:12).

Esther's turn to appear before Ahasuerus happened when it did (2:13-14).

Without requesting any special provision for her "interview," Esther experienced unanimous favor (2:15).

Ahasuerus liked Esther more than all the other women; he ended the contest and chose her (2:17).

Esther had the habit of obeying her uncle (2:20).

Mordecai overheard a plot against Ahasuerus that two of his disgruntled officials were foolish enough to talk about (2:21-22).

Mordecai made the decision to warn Ahasuerus (2:22).

A certain man Haman found favor in Ahasuerus's eyes and was promoted to a position of power and influence (3:1).

On religious grounds, Mordecai repeatedly refused Ahasuerus's command to bow to Haman, prompting an angry Haman to devise a plot of destruction against all Jews, not just Mordecai (3:2-6).

Haman used a method of chance to determine the date for the proposed annihilation, and it "luckily" allowed the longest interval possible before execution (3:7,13).

Ahasuerus had such confidence in Haman that he didn't question or investigate the proposal, but gave Haman unrestrained authority (3:10-11).

Instead of being kept secret, the decreed plot was actually revealed immediately to the general public (3:14-15).

Esther didn't know about the  plot, but her servants told her of Mordecai's despair. The particular man assigned to Esther fulfilled her request to go to Mordecai to investigate (3:4-5).

Mordecai asked Esther to intervene with Ahasuerus, even though unsolicited visits to the king could result in death (3:8-11).

Esther hadn't been called to Ahasuerus in thirty days and didn't know when she might be called (3:11).

After Esther's hesitant reply, Mordecai pressed his request. At the risk of her own life, Esther decided she would go (4:13-16).

Ahasuerus not only approved Esther's unsolicited visit, but he responded with favor, concern, and offers of help (5:2-3).

Instead of revealing her real motive immediately, Esther prepared for that disclosure through a series of two dinners that included Ahasuerus and Haman. Although planned on very short notice, the dinners were carried out (5:4-8).

The first dinner and invitation to the second gave Haman confidence to prepare to hang Mordecai, whom he happened to see when leaving dinner (5:9-14).

That night Ahasuerus couldn't sleep. He requested the reading of court archives, and the chosen record recounted Mordecai's previous warning to the king. Mordecai had never been rewarded, and Ahasuerus decided to reward him now (6:1-3).

Haman thought Ahasuerus meant to honor him; he gave extravagant instructions that he then had to perform for Mordecai (6:6-11).

After warnings from his wife and friends, Haman feared impending disgrace, and at that moment was called to the second dinner (6:12-14).

On learning that Haman wanted to destroy Esther and her people, Ahasuerus became angry and left the room (7:5-7).

A terrified Haman fell begging before Esther. When Ahasuerus returned, the physical interaction appeared inappropriate, and Ahasuerus commanded Haman's immediate death (7:6-10).

One of Ahasuerus's attendants knew about the gallows Haman had built the day before for Mordecai's hanging and informed Ahasuerus (7:9).

Although the command to destroy the Jews could not be repealed, based on Esther's entreaty, Ahasuerus gave approval (with still nine month's notice to prepare) for the Jews to defend themselves (8:3-13).

Most of the people now feared the Jews, leaving a limited number of enemies who chose to execute the annihilation command; all were killed (9:1-6). Instead of the Jews being annihilated, more than 75,000 of their enemies were killed (9:6,14-16).

The victory in this potentially devastating destruction was so great and the reversal so amazing, that the Jews have ever since celebrated the feast of Purim. The name of the holiday poignantly comes directly from the method of chance that Haman had utilized.

In His orchestration of major events, God uses little things: chance, impetuous decisions of others, coincidental encounters, overlooked situations, the favor of people, good and bad advice, timing of events, people's personal perceptions, misconstrued actions, legal intervention, and much more. Interestingly, the name of God never appears in the book of Esther, but His control and orchestration of all these chance events is strikingly obvious.

God does indeed use little things. He knows about all the details, and He knows how to use every one of them within His plan. When things seem to go wrong or result only in frustration, God can be trusted.

Fluffy or Solid?

Personal confession. When it comes to ladies' events, such as retreats, luncheons, conferences, and so on, I haven't always had a very positive attitude. Hopefully I'm getting better at this, but historically several aspects have annoyed me.

First, there has probably been a fleshly tendency that has rebelled against the possibility that God might want to change me, and that such change might be called for through the event. Second, I have become annoyed when I observed other ladies being all excited, like somehow this would be a magical experience in which God would totally transform them, somehow far more significant than the other spiritual input that they regularly received and didn't get excited about. Third, I have too often been disappointed by the content of such meetings; sadly, they have sometimes focused disproportionately on a clever theme that didn't correlate well with Biblical truth, or on personal stories that were primarily emotional or entertaining.

While the first aspect must be a concern for me personally, and the second aspect potentially reflects poor perspective by others, the third aspect is a concerning trend within the broader realm of Christianity. A Christian ladies' meeting should have purpose and substance. It should not be to entertain or to tickle the ears. In order to be spiritually significant, an event must have substance. Unfortunately, many ladies have left such events believing them to have been successful and beneficial, when they were actually on the shallow side. Because these ladies laughed a lot or cried a lot or remained interested during the sessions, they perceived those sessions as meaningful.

Such events can be truly meaningful, however, only when they have spiritual depth. Ladies need the truth of God's Word just as much as men do. The challenges that women face are answered through the Bible just like they are for men. Ladies too need an ever-deepening understanding of the Bible and must be progressively challenged by it. Interesting themes and heart-wrenching stories don't provide what any believers truly need. In order to be edified and encouraged, all Christians need something solid, not fluffy.

Whose fault is a "fluffy" event? It might be the speaker's fault. The chosen speaker might unfortunately be a better entertainer than expositor and might not share the depth of spiritual purpose that is intended for an event. It might be the planners' fault. Either the planners deliberately promote enjoyment over substance, or they inadvertently divert away from spiritual depth through their choice of a theme that isn't very Biblical or through a disproportionate emphasis on other activities. It might be the audience's fault. If over the history of an event, the audience demonstrates a preference for entertainment over substance, the event might progressively cater to that preference.

Christian ladies, like all Christians, must not settle for fluff. They should choose wisely the events they attend, selecting options that have historically demonstrated an emphasis on substance. When Christians leave such an event, their strongest and most valuable impression should be about the sound teaching, not about the food, entertainment, fellowship, theme, or decorations.

Christians should choose their reading material wisely. Even many Christian books are filled with worldly philosophies. Characters in fictional books are often consumed with worldly ambitions, and their examples look more like the world than a believer. A steady diet of Christian romances is unhealthy and contributes to discontent. Christian biographies, on the other hand, can be inspiring and challenging, and books on theology or Christian growth can be instructional.

Christians should choose devotional material wisely. A devotional must provide more than a feel-good story at the beginning of the day. It must have more spiritual depth than a single Bible verse written at the top of the page before telling a story and never again mentioning the Bible. The content must not be purely from the secular world (nature, experience, object lesson), but must direct the reader's thoughts to the Bible.

Christians should choose their churches wisely. A pastor who mostly tells stories or who regularly relies on jokes is not doing his duty to preach the Word effectively. The sermons must habitually focus on presenting and explaining the Bible. Sunday school classes can't be primarily fellowship or open sharing of every person's opinion. The Bible must be central in the church, actively and accurately taught.

Christian growth comes through the Bible. Christian events must center around Biblical teaching. Christian books must teach or at least support Biblical truth. Devotional material must facilitate understanding of the Bible. Churches must promote the Bible as their central focus. "Avoiding worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called 'knowledge' - which some have professed and thus gone astray from the faith" (I Timothy 6:20-21).

"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work" (II Timothy 3:16-17).

Entertaining stories, personal experiences, nifty themes, extended illustrations, and constant fellowship cannot be the dominating substance in the Christian experience. Just as eating fluff will leave a person filled with blubber, so a fluffy Christian diet will leave a believer with little strength. Life is not easy, and when the storms and trials come, a Christian must have a strong foundation and a strong core. This strength will come from a firm footing and a thorough knowledge of the Bible. Instead of remembering a cute story about a butterfly or a waterfall, a believer will have understanding of Biblical truth and Biblical promises that can give true help. With some Biblical substance, a Christian can walk through life and can stand for God. With only fluff, he will falter and fall. Don't settle for fluff. "Their heart is covered with fat, but I delight in Your law" (Psalm 119:70).

"Strengthen me according to Your word. Remove the false way from me, and graciously grant me Your law" (Psalm 119:28-29).

How Blessed - Part 6 (Manifestations of Blessing)

"How blessed is/are ... !" This study in Psalms has revealed five situations in which God gives His blessing. First, He intends special blessing for the nation of Israel. Second, there is blessing associated with being in His presence. Third, blessing comes to those who endeavor to keep themselves free from sin. Fourth, God's blessing falls on those who live righteously. Fifth, God blesses those who trust Him as their source of help.

There is a bit of ambiguity in these situations. For instance, does God particularly bless those who seek His presence, or is the blessing an inevitable result of being in His presence? Does God deliberately bless a man who is free from sin and who lives righteously? Or is the blessing found inherently in the state of being free from sin and the practice of living righteously? In other words, is the blessing the result of some action or is the blessing a characteristic of the state created by that action?

It would be difficult from the verses to define the blessing as being one aspect or the other. More likely, both are true. Scripture clearly teaches that living the right kind of life results in a blessed state. The Bible also reveals that God sometimes bestows special blessing on people in response to their heart and actions for Him. The conclusion of this study will examine some of the visible outpourings of God's blessing. Verses from the Psalms describe various pleasures of life that are evidences of God's blessing.

"The earth has yielded its produce; God, our God, blesses us. God blesses us, that all the ends of the earth may fear Him" (67:6-7). These verses repeatedly state that blessing comes from God, and He does so in order that other people would take note of His blessing; God wants all men to realize there is something special in a relationship with Him, and He desires all men to fear Him. Blessing on a Christian's life can be a magnet that attracts others to God. The specific blessing listed is the fruitful production of the earth. God's blessing includes provision for material needs.

"Also He blesses them and they multiply greatly, and He does not let their cattle decrease" (107:38). God's blessings can be displayed as families (or nations) grow through the births of many children. God also blesses by causing herds and livestock to prosper rather than suffer decline. God blesses with family and with success in resources.

"For He has strengthened the bars of your gates; He has blessed your sons within you" (147:13). In this case God's blessing is on the strength and protection of the city as well as on the children or descendants within the city. God's blessing includes peace and prosperity.

"For You meet him with the blessings of good things; You set a crown of fine gold on his head" (21:3). For David in particular, God made him king and gave him riches and other unspecified good things. God's blessing can include power as well as prosperity and pleasures.

"How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; they will not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies in the gate" (127:5). One of God's blessings is that of many children, which are compared to arrows for a soldier, a necessity for his survival. God gives children to aid a man in his life and influence.

"When you shall eat of the fruit of your hands, you will be happy and it will be well with you. Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine within your house, your children like olive plants around your table" (128:2-3). The blessings include self-sufficiency in prosperous crops, a happy spirit, and a pleasant, favorable life. The blessings also include a fruitful wife who cares for the house, and healthy, flourishing children who surround their father. In summary, these blessings center around a happy and fruitful family.

"God be gracious to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us" (67:1). This verse shares two parallel descriptions. God's blessing would look like He is being gracious by showing favor. It would also look like His face is shining on people. It is hard to understand this unusual phrase with any meaning except that God looks on people favorably and with brightness, like the pleasant rays of the sun. When God blesses, His actions are deliberate and purposeful as well as delightful and pleasant.

Clearly, God's blessings are various. These are not the only evidences of God's blessing, and God does not give all of these blessings to every Christian He is blessing. However, when these pleasures of life happen, they are a result of God's blessing.

God's blessing is powerful. "Let them curse, but You bless; when they arise, they shall be ashamed, but Your servant shall be glad" (109:28). God is greater than any adversary. Enemies might do all they can to tear someone down and destroy him, but those efforts cannot override God's blessing. When God decides to bless, the opposition of man is no match for Him.

God is able to bless, because He is the powerful creator. "May you be blessed of the LORD, maker of heaven and earth" (115:15). The One who made all things and sustains all things is able to provide blessings for His people. This psalm contrasts Him with false gods who have no such power. Over the millennia, people have performed horrible rituals, sacrifices, and deprivation in order to seek the favor of their gods. It was all in vain. Regardless of the level of devotion or abuse, gods who are no gods cannot bestow the slightest bit of blessing, but God - the true God - can give abundant blessing, and He does so not because people merit or earn it.  A loving God shows undeserved blessing to all who inhabit the earth, and in particular to those who belong to Him.