Faith and trust

I was visiting with a friend last night, and somehow our conversation made its way to "why do bad things happen...?". Particularly, we were talking about deaths of children. What in the world could a good God intend for such tragedy? It was beyond both of us, but I MUST believe that even such horrors are not outside God's Story. My husband is always talking about how God's Story is one of redemption, and if there is any way - even in some small part - we can join in with Him for this end, then we are answering God's call for our lives. Therefore, I have to believe that the precious souls of these little ones flying back to His arms are so that He can work redemption in some part of this earth - surely there is a purpose in this, we just don't know it yet.

Today, during some much needed quiet time with God, I was spending some time in Proverbs, when I came across this pearl of wisdom:

"It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings." - Proverbs 25:2 (NIV)

The first part of this verse overwhelms me. Here is the same passage in another version:

"It is God's privilege to conceal things and the king's privilege to discover them." - Proverbs 25:2 (NLT)

It is, very rightfully, confusing to a mother to lose her child (or children) for nothing. Or what may seem to be nothing at the time, because the reason is hidden. This is also very painful. Let's see what else God's Word says.

"The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law." - Deuteronomy 29:29

"O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and untraceable His ways!" - Romans 11:33

"Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than the heavens above—what can you do? They are deeper than the depths below—what can you know?" - Job 11:7-8

"You asked, 'Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?' Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know." - Job 42:3

In faith (complete trust or confidence in someone or something; synonym: confidence), and trust (firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something; synonym: confidence), it is up to us to place our hearts in God's capable hands and walk away. No questions asked.

"I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.14 Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." - Psalm 27:13-14

How then shall we live? Therefore, in faith and trust, it is up to us to be ever seeking God, not answers. In His time, we will see Him clearly, and that is all we need.

This is a picture of the Nyiragongo Volcano, located in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Photo source.