“‘Religion is full of questions that we cannot answer,’ declared Dr. James McCosh in an address to his students at Princeton University, ‘because we only know in part,’—a long pause, then with thrilling emphasis,—’but we know!'”
– anonymous (Leaves of Gold, pg. 107)
I have several questions for God. Possibly you feel the same way. Often I mention my list of questions I am saving to ask God someday when the opportunity comes. In actuality I am not keeping a formal list. The main reason is that I believe once I have the chance to ask the questions, the answers will either be self-evident or they won’t matter. Put another way, I am quite certain the questions exist because my present human condition limits my capacity to know and understand eternal truths. What God has not chosen to reveal, we simply will not know. At least, not yet.
For now, though, questions do exist. And some of the questions are not trivial, like why did God make mosquitos or what was Mrs. Noah’s name. They are questions related to evil and suffering, questions of why God chooses to act differently in circumstances that appear identical. Examples could be further enumerated, but you understand my point. These are things that not only confound our minds, they can disturb our peace and potentially shake our faith. We can understand Job’s frustration, shaking a figurative fist at heaven demanding answers.
At the root of our frustration is the reality that we don’t see the whole picture of what God is doing. Throughout scripture we are given examples of when God has revealed information to encourage someone. Elijah thought he was the only faithful Israelite remaining until God revealed to him that 7,000 were likewise faithful (see 1 Kings 19). The servant of the prophet Elisha thought they were helplessly surrounded by a hostile army of Arameans, until Elisha opened his eyes to a hillside full of horses and chariots of fire sent by God to protect them (2 Kings 6). We always rejoice when given the grace to see the whole picture. The challenge is that the walk into which we are called is one we make by faith, not by sight. Faith doesn’t mean we will not get answers. It just means we may not get them yet.
The apostle Paul embraced this reality in his reflection regarding the primary graces of faith, hope and love (see 1 Corinthians 13). He likened the present life as one where the best we might do is to see as though looking into a first-century mirror, something that reflects a blurry and somewhat distorted image. The assurance is that one day we will know fully. Faith invites us to be at rest in the idea that what God has revealed in this life is enough to get us to the finish line.
“Beyond our knowledge lie the mysteries unexplored. But we have light enough to steer by, if we will. We know as much as we need. If we live by it we shall know more, some day.”
See you along the Winding Path.
The Winding Path 