Things I Don’t Understand About God’s Ways.

Before we get to today’s article, I just want to mention that am writing from the perspective of a man that has experienced many of the challenges of which I write…. and those spiritual battles continue daily. The articles are implications of what it means to obey the commandment to raise your children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. They require some reflection and are particularly for Christians who, as Peter would say, are diligently seeking to confirm their calling and are making every effort to supplement their faith. Said more succinctly, serious Christians. If you know other believers who desire to walk more faithfully with the Lord, please forward an article to them and tell them to sign up for future articles. Thanks so much!

Things I Don’t Understand About God’s Ways.

I have been a Christian now for about 30 years and after all of this time, I still don’t understand God’s ways. I mean, I think I understand the most important things about God. But, on some days, I feel a bit like Nicodemus, that great ruler of the Jews, who famously responded to Jesus’ teaching on the need to be born again with, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?”

Take Romans 8:29 for example:

For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.

I understand what the words are saying, but I don’t fully understand how God is going to make me more like Christ. You can call me Mikeodemus.

Or, here is another one from 1 Corinthians 12:27: Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. I’m trying to get my mind past the obvious analogy that Paul is using, but just can’t fully understand how that works out on a daily basis.

But then there is the big one from Jesus’ high priestly prayer in John 17. This is the most magnificent prayer in the entire Bible and Jesus’ perfect requests will certainly be answered in the affirmative by the Father. I have had trouble fully understanding the following parts of the prayer:

11.b: Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.

21: “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

22-23: The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.

25b-26: I know you, and these know that you have sent me. I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

Note that there is a redundancy in the prayer in regard to the idea of Christ being one with the Father, Christians being one with Him and the Father, and Christians being one with another. This has been mind boggling to me.

However, due to the recent event of my brother’s heart attack and subsequent need for a heart transplant, I have come to understand these truths in deeper ways. Let me explain. As have written earlier, we have seen the outward manifestations of how Jesus works through the church to provide all sorts of physical needs to John and his wife, Joanne. The church is the beautiful community that rises to the occasion to do what is necessary to serve and help. But now, I am seeing the manifestation of what God is doing in the hearts and minds of His children and these things are at the root of the actions people take and are the greatest works of God.

These works of the Spirit, which are most evident through suffering, look like this:

For my brother John and His wife, they have gone to a new high of love and appreciation for each other and hearts full of thankfulness for every single day of life that the Lord gives. This will only increase as the journey through a heart transplant and recovery continues if God graciously allows it to happen.

John has expressed his gloriously new perspective of loving people because so many people have drawn in to love him and care for him through this ordeal- even those who represent ideas or worldviews that are anti-Christian. The Lord has brought to mind the many times that Jesus walked this earth and lovingly gave time and energy to all. He has become a man who will exit from the hospital (Lord willing) more patient and desiring to give more time to anyone.

There is a new depth of understanding how the body of Christ works together and encourages one another. Certainly, our family and extended family have never been so close together due to our need to mutually encourage and build up one another.

We have all gone deeper in our understanding and dependance on God through prayer. We have 37 people on a text chain that are praying as the Lord takes John (and us) through many emotional ups and downs. These people are praying as one.

We understand more about the absolute sovereignty of God in the world. In addition to sending Christian nurses and physical therapists to take care of John, He has also sent the surgeon who pointed to the sky and said to John, “I’m not the one in charge of your surgery, He is.” Again, both the workers and John have been mutually encouraging one another and giving glory to God.

In His sovereignty God sent us two ladies who are working on the financial part of this challenge. After hearing the story, they made known that they too were Christians, began to weep and asked to pray with us.

His neighbor from his previous home showed up at the hospital. About a year ago he had a heart attack and came to tell John all that he should expect, how he should care for himself during recovery, and most all, how John should think about God. His act of love for John was evident and it helped me understand more how God works in the people around you when you really haven’t a clue about him doing it.

I have also seen more of how God trains and sanctifies young minds. Because John is the head of a Christian school, the students and staff have been praying daily for John. I think about the multitude of questions and comments that the kids have had and how the teachers and staff members are walking these children through a way to think Biblically about this ongoing drama.

And finally, the men who were so eager to put up the money that we needed to get on the heart transplant list. The fact that they so quickly responded without hesitation makes clear to me that God had prepared them for that moment as He was growing their faith and their understanding of what it means to be kingdom minded with their money.

All of these works of God have shown me that we really are one in Christ and one with one another. I have seen enough with my own eyes to more fully understand that Christians truly are members of one body and how God brings good out of the most difficult life situations. I have seen the love of God through the words and actions of His people, and I see Him conforming them to the image of His dear Son. I don’t fully understand it but know that I never will. His ways are too high and beyond finding out.

And finally, I understand why no man can see God and live. I know because I have been able to get a glimpse of what He is like through the work that He is doing in His people- and it is emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausting. To see His work in people is to see His glory through a veil and if we were to see more, we would be destroyed. Thankfully, he has also made a provision for that in heaven where we will get new bodies- bodies that will be able to praise Him as He reveals more of Himself in all of His holy glory. Amen.

Thanks for checking in. See you next time.

OTHER RECORDINGS THAT YOU MAY FIND HELPFUL:

Title: All Things For Good Written By Thomas Watson And Read By Michael Lee

Description: One of the great Puritans, Watson writes based on the great promise from God that all things work together for good to those that love God. The book will expand your faith in God’s promises and His attributes and give a great comfort to your soul.

Apple Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-things-for-good-by-thomas-watson-and-read-by-michael-lee/id1703108941)

YouTube (https://youtu.be/cCMPuNsv6dE).

Read it online at www.ModernPuritans.com

Title: Why Should I Believe Anything About Jesus Christ? Written By Various Authors And Read By Michael Lee

Description: This Podcast features three famous recordings of booklets written by John Blanchard that will strengthen your own understanding on the death and resurrection of Christ and also serve as a great evangelistic tool for a friend or family member. The first booklet is called, “Ultimate Questions.” The second booklet is called, “Why The Cross?” And the third booklet is called, “Jesus, Dead Or Alive?”

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-why-should-i-believe/id1692832161

YouTube: Each of the John Blanchard booklets has its own recording. See below.

Ultimate Questions. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQggMxnbCbkLux2C6QB1W0VG

Jesus- Dead Or Alive? https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjeqfP9L1olkHULFCNHVDDF

Why The Cross? https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQgJEuKxJL0dgjCDM85tyqrQ

Title: Thoughts For Young Men From The Book By J.C. Ryle. Read By Michael Lee

Description: A wonderful book of Biblical truth and advice for young men. Helpful to parents as well as the young men themselves. Full of wisdom for a life filled with Christ. J.C. Ryle (1816-1900) served God in England as a pastor and teacher for more than 40 years. His words are still being used by the Lord today and are applicable to all Christians in all times.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-thoughts-for-young-men/id1673847428

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQixZIaBE95_JRojVSkzq1nl

Title: Stand Firm Written By Peter Jeffery and Read By Michael Lee

Description: So you just became a Christian and now what? Get ready for a life of walking with the Lord and experiencing the joy of knowing you have peace with God. However, you also have an enemy- the devil. Peter Jeffery wants to help by teaching you about the battle with the wicked one and how you can STAND FIRM against his attacks!

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-stand-firm-written-by/id1681861976

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjhDFeGYG5Tt5EWjeuz-e1p

Title: The Duties Of Parents From The Booklet By J.C. Ryle. Read By Michael Lee

Description: From the famous booklet written by Pastor J.C. Ryle. Pastor Ryle gives us 17 points of Christian parenting on which to focus our attention. His words are timeless and apply to parenting today as much as it did 100 years ago.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-the-duties-of/id1676664853

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQgfoZGiRgzptFs7g07vkwU5

Title: Rediscovering The Lost Treasure Of Family Worship. Written By Jerry Marcellino And Read By Michael Lee

Description: Family Worship was once the normal practice that most Christian parents led in their homes. Led by either parent, the children would be taught daily from the word of God, pray and sing songs. It was considered to be a vital part of the Christian life.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-rediscovering-the-lost/id1692401602

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQgNq7asslVBsKyq0FC3arMs

Title: Choose Your Master: God Or Money. Written And Read By Michael Lee

Description: This is one of the most written about topics in the Bible because it is one of the most dangerous to the Christian. Listen in on the good and bad experiences of the author and strongly consider the Bible’s teaching on stewardship.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-choose-your-master-god/id1683382182

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQiHoB3-tBm1qDDbxxpQAvTl

Title: From Religion To Christ, Written By Peter Jeffery And Read By Michael Lee

Description: Tired of the many systems of religion that you have observed or been part of in the past? Are you ready to say goodbye to religion? The author Peter Jeffery, agrees! Doing “religion” is empty and will not get you to heaven. There is something more-something much greater. Take a careful listen through this podcast and discover what a real relationship with God actually looks like.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-from-religion-to-christ/id1687134464

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQg_lCngBTcjs_dXT1VYvYWA

Title: A Call To Prayer By J.C. Ryle. Read By Michael Lee

Description: This is a passionate plea from the famous preacher and teacher, J.C. Ryle. Although these words were penned more than 100 years ago, the need and application for today’s Christian is greater than ever.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-a-call-to-prayer-by/id1672880807

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjaXXgO8P1U-bBFkEMCwdYR

Title: Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices From The Book By Thomas Brooks. Read By Michael Lee

Description: (This is one that you can listen to a “precious remedy” each day). Thomas Brooks, born in 1608, was a Puritan preacher who wrote a number of essays during his time with possibly the foremost entitled, “Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices.” In writing the book’s dedication, he wrote, “Christ, the scripture, your own hearts, and Satan’s devices, are the four prime things that should be first and most studied and searched. If any cast off the study of these they cannot be safe here, nor happy hereafter.” Brooks believed that all Christians have particular weaknesses in their faith and those weaknesses would be exploited in some way by Satan.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-precious-remedies-against/id1671364198

YouTube: Not on YouTube just yet.

Title: Messages You Want To Share With A Friend Or Loved One. Written By Various Authors And Read By Michael Lee

Description: This one has 11 different recordings of parental concerns including how to love difficult people, how to deal with angry children, family feuds, how can I know I am a Christian, and more.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-messages-you-want-to/id1681581764

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQgfa3amEo_gqzBt6ypv4KX1

Title: Critical Considerations For Christian Parents About Your Child’s Education, By Michael Lee

Description: As we search the Bible for answers to the question: How shall we raise our children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord,” we can see that the system for educating children was done primary by the parents in the home. However, the world in which we live now is quite different and the vast majority of parents use an educational system that is outside of the home and is that system is called the public schools, or the government schools.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-critical-considerations/id1678162250

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjnvjc7QuytT2V3lVr53oqa

Title: Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God, By Jonathan Edwards And Read By Michael Lee

Description: This famous sermon by Jonathan Edwards will sober you up to the awesomeness of God. It is updated in modern English by Modern Puritans.com

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-sinners-in-the-hands/id1695783947

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjGDaS1xyeRC8vUJFwsxxaX

Title: The Mortification Of Sin By John Owen And Read By Michael Lee

Description: This famous treatment on killing or “mortifying,” sin by John Owen, has been updated in modern English by Modern Puritans. You will have to think hard but it is worth the journey.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-the-mortification-of/id1696454280

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQhOf-5DP2eZY4M91_NdlKwI

Title: Can You Trust God? Written and Recorded by Michael Lee

Description: Trusting God is not always easy in the midst of difficulties. We tend to trust in the things that we can see and feel and often succumb to anxiety or despair. My purpose in writing and recording this booklet is to create an ironclad argument for trusting God no matter what the situation.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-an-important-question/id1680420137

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQiHI31v5yt695Yuvc_VSyHA

Title: Cherish Ephesians 6:4 Written and Recorded by Michael Lee

Description: This is the podcast that has the weekly article from the Cherish Ephesians 6:4 ministry.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4/id1658865547

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQj2iqoMVx36VEbpUZEQcyom