Nov 2, 2006

Heroes of the Faith

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

Abraham didn't understand how God would bring a son to him and his ninety-year-old wife, but the next year their son was born. It didn't make sense for God to tell Abraham to sacrifice his son years later, but at the last second God stopped Abraham and provided a sheep instead.
But Abraham was a man who knew that "the secret things belong to the Lord," and Abraham's job was to follow what he did know. And he trusted God.
(Genesis 17:17, 22:6-13)

Ian's dad didn't understand why God chose to put his son in the middle of an accident, and it didn't make sense why God would interrupt Ian's life and injure Ian's brain at such a young age. But Steve is a man who knows that "the secret things belong to the Lord," and Steve's job is to follow what he does know. And he trusted God.

These men don't know why God works the way He does, but it's not up to them to question God. It's their job to obey what has been revealed to them. When things don't make sense to them, these men recognize that they are to follow what God has told them, not to demand an answer to what they don't understand.

Let's be inspired and encourged by my dad's example. Let's keep praying, because our job now is to trust God, and we show our trust in God through relying on Him in prayer. God has revealed to us what our task is, so let us do it with excitement!

-ben

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ben,

God did not give me the privilege of talking with and observing Abraham, but he has allowed me the privilege of knowing and observing you and your dad. You have both taught me great things about our great God. Thank you for that. “And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” Psalm 50:15

We will continue to pray with excitement.

Kathie K.

Anonymous said...

I am very excited for Ian, and the rest of you, actually. More so after visiting him on Wednesday. God is not done working in anyone's life, and I'm so excited to see what God has waiting for you and Ian! Thanks for modeling such wonderful love towards your brother.


~~Shannon Q.

Anonymous said...

Ben and Steve, Thanks for being examples of people who point to God as the One who knows and will do the best for His work.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Somewhere in the Bible...

(That's a joke Steve!)
Jeremiah 29:11