Can You See God’s Promises?

One of my closest friends recently experienced something difficult. I waited for God to open the door for me to talk to her about my faith, his goodness, and how I had gotten through the same experience. But while I did feel God’s presence, he never opened that door. She did all the talking. I know that sharing our story and feelings with someone we trust can be healing, so I simply sat back and prayed it would be so for my friend.

She spoke about how she felt even more unsettled once she had all the information she’d been waiting for. She thought she would be given a reason for what happened, but she didn’t. And then she brought up what might be one of the most challenging questions I can think of:

Why, then? If there isn’t an obvious reason for what happened, why did it happen?

In spite of all that waiting for the door to open, when the moment came, I found I didn’t know what to say. I wanted to comfort her and let her know that even though I have, I understand the longing for answers. I can relate to questioning the goodness of God and to feeling like the world is upside down when we don’t understand the circumstances we’re living through. But rather than trying to find the perfect words, I just sat with her in the silence of those uncomfortable questions.

Later, I thought of so many possible reasons I could have given for her unanswered questions. But I also know that sometimes, such  reasons provide no comfort.

And then as I pondered the list of reasons I could have given her, I realized none of them matter unless we believe God loves us.

Do you believe God loves you?

I believe God loves me, even though life is sometimes difficult and complicated. When I look back at all my personal experiences, I see God’s hand. I see the comfort he gave me when I needed it, even when I didn’t understand why I was going through a tough time. I see the growth and compassion in my spirit because of the path I was on. Most of all, I remember the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross and all he went through to pay the price for my sin, to give me my redemption, and therefore, the overarching peace that comes with the promise of heaven.

Jesus’s existence and sacrifice for me helps me remember the promises of God, beginning with the promise and hope of heaven, which I have because of him. This always leads me to think about the other promises God has made.

The book of Isaiah tells us, “They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31 ESV). He gives me strength.

Deuteronomy 31:8 says, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (NIV). He is always with me.

Philippians 4:19 declares, “My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (NIV). I can trust him. Whether or not I feel my needs are met, he meets them.

I see the ways these promises, and other promises I didn’t list, have been answered in my life. This allows me to remember God’s love for me. I trust him to give me strength because he has done it before. I have felt his very real presence in my heart, home, and circumstances. I have trusted him to provide for my needs and watched him do it, and so I will trust him again.

Are you aware of answered promises from God in your life? Is it possible the difficult things you’ve been through have given you more courage and strength? Have they taught you hard but necessary lessons or grown your compassion and love for others?

The Lord has used difficult seasons in my life for these purposes. In some circumstances, I’m still waiting for him to use them or to show me how he wants me to use them, or to show me why he allowed them in my life. He is a great mystery, which I believe is part of what makes him God. I can’t know everything or have every insight this side of heaven, but I’ve made my peace with that. For now, I wait and trust him, even when I don’t know all the reasons.

Carla Clemens enjoys a crazy, beautiful life with her military husband and four sons. A baby and toddler interrupt her homeschool days in the best ways, and she is always attempting to live with mindfulness of each moment. She hopes to look at the world and each person in it in light of our amazing Creator and therefore, to see each moment presented as an opportunity to love and serve him more. Carla relishes time to ponder God’s Word and have quiet moments with him and her coffee. She loves doing life with other mamas and encouraging them to simply be who God has made them to be.

Photograph © Thomas Quaritsch, used with permission