Now we see and know in part (R) (26/7/2023)
1 Corinthians 13:9,10,12 "For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears…Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." - NIV
One of the disturbing things in our relationship with God is thinking we have got something right, only for it to manifest very differently. For example, we know His will about healing, His various promises about provision, protection, or other aspects of life. But believe and act as we may, sometimes the exact opposite happens and we are left wondering, like Mary and Martha, Paul or Job, whether God failed us or something went wrong.
Paul was comparing the present and what is yet to be on the other side of eternity. We are still in the imperfect, where we see poorly, know and prophesy(speak forth) only in part as far as is revealed. What is revealed to us now is only a glimpse of the whole. Being in Christ and in the faith, but still living in this sin-laden and broken world, leaves us affected by the effects of the fall in many ways. But a day will come when imperfect will be replaced by the perfect, then we shall see clearly and fully understand why.
As this stands, there will be many things we will not know fully here in this life. We will still have questions without answers about them. God may remain silent and only supply sufficient grace to carry us through them. It doesn’t mean He enjoys seeing us suffer, or has failed, or that you sinned for certain strange things to happen to you. In His Sovereignty and wisdom beyond our own, He knows why. Let’s not give up.
Isaiah 55:8-9 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Shalom children of God.