Week 15 - Knowing God

Jeremiah 9:23-24

Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”

I don't see how Nancy did it, but she did. She was able to write about knowing God in just one chapter. What a daunting task to have taken on! There is a book that I read awhile back that I would recommend, and I know that I need to read it again! Knowing God by J.I. Packer takes on knowing God into short chapters to create a whole book. Don't let the number of pages in each chapter fool you though because sometimes they have to be read multiple times. It is a worthwhile read to help you dive into scripture.

"God never has an off day. he is never inconsistent with his character." For us to understand how God is working in our lives, we must understand who he is. God is god, faithful, just, holy, and jealous. It is easy to look at Magdalena's life or any situation that may seem hopeless and ask "how could God allow this to happen?", but it is more challenging to know who He is and see is goodness throughout the situation. Nothing does not pass by without God's approval, but when something bad happens it is because of the sin in the world. He blesses us despite our sin, and there are so many ways that he blessed us throughout Magdalena's sickness if you look more closely knowing that God is good. He allowed us to know in advance so that we could prepare. He placed certain people in our lives to help carry our burdens throughout her life. And he allowed both of us to be there together when she passed away. God may not have done the exact same things in your life, but how was he blessed you? He is good to all those who rest in Him.

The story of Hosea and Gomer (Hosea 1-3, 14) definitely got my attention! No matter how many times Gomer cheated on Hosea, he remained faithful to her! (side note: I am not saying that it is always God's will to remain in this type of relationship.) It was God's will for his life to be married to this woman as a demonstration of how we continue to be unfaithful to Him while He remains faithful, taking us back each time we go astray!

God is fair in all that he does, and I have learned even more over the past few years how small I am to His greatness. Not fully understanding why certain things happen, doesn't mean that who He is has changed. The world does not revolve around us and our actions but who he is and what glorifies Him.

Our lives should be a reflection of all that He is.