Does God Really Know Best?

“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (ESV)

John 16:33

The other day, one of my college kids invited me to go to church with her. This is the kind of request that I would move heaven and earth to fulfill, so I got up early Sunday morning and drove to the town where she goes to school.

Her church was big, busy, and vibrant. I loved sitting in a congregation that was filled with so many passionate college students. The young pastor preached an intriguing sermon, and near the beginning of his talk, he asked a thought-provoking question.

Is your faith in the quality of your circumstances or in the character of God?

Something about his question startled me and focused my attention.

The rest of his words faded into the background as I thought about his query. To be honest, I had never considered that idea before. Absolutely my faith was rooted in God’s character! His character is so much bigger than my circumstances. I mean, that’s true. Right? Yes, I believed that.

So why did his question continue to pester me?

Maybe it was because something in his query caused me to recognize an uncomfortable truth about myself. Deep down, I expected God to reveal His love for me by resolving my problems, or at least by providing reassurance that a satisfactory solution was in the works.

I felt that a loving, kind, generous, faithful, and all-powerful God would use those character qualities to improve the quality of my circumstances. Isn’t that what a caring parent does?

Even as I admitted that to myself, I recognized its flaws. God cares deeply about every situation in all our lives, but he cares more about the posture of our hearts.

True peace and fulfillment are found in our relationship with God, not in our circumstances.

It’s tempting to yearn for a smooth life, one that runs according to our plans, but God offers us a saved life, one that enables joy and peace despite our plans.

In a smooth life, God would fix our problems and heal our wounds. In a saved life, God fixes our hearts and heals our souls. God wants to bring the true part of who He created us to be into fullness. He looks past our hurts and struggles and straight into the essence of our being. He sees the real us, and he wants to make holy even the most difficult parts of ourselves that keep us from flourishing.

Soul work isn’t smooth, and it requires effort and participation on our part. We must trust Him, even when we can’t understand why our carefree lives are disrupted by problems. Soul work also means that our problems won’t be wrapped in bows and solved in a tidy fashion.

However, doing the work to trust God even when life seems to be falling apart yields a far more satisfying outcome. We develop resilience, confidence, and perseverance while deepening our relationship with Him. These character traits may seem less appealing than a quick fix, but over time, they yield a steady confidence that’s rooted in Him and not in our shifting circumstances.

Are you trusting in the quality of your circumstances or the character of God? One focuses on personal comfort. The other is focused on the Source of comfort and blessings. And when our focus is on the Source, we witness firsthand the miracles against all odds – strength when we are exhausted, patience when we are pushed, the phone call out of the blue, the job offer dropped in our lap, the cure that can’t be explained. These tastes of perfection remind us that God is in control, and we can trust Him. And that peace far outweighs the heaviness of any problem.

“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (ESV)

Dear Lord, I’m knee deep in this problem and I really want you to fix it. I’m sorry that I’m focused on a solution and not on you. It’s so hard! Lord, you are wise and generous, powerful, and holy. Remind me that you’re on my side and you want good things for me. Give me faith to trust that you will use this for good in my life. Help me endure and persevere and grow closer to you through this. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.