I do not know

(The following is an article written by Dr. Bob Jones, Jr.)

There is much I do not know; there is much I cannot know.

Picture: sxc.hu

- I do not know what a day may bring forth.
- I do not know what tomorrow has in store for me.
- I do not know what will be the outcome of the things I undertake.
- I do not know where the path of life may lead me before I reach its end.
- I do not know where sorrow awaits along the way or where death lurks.
- I do not know where I may come across something which I would like to escape.
- I do not know when I may be afflicted with sickness or disease.
- I do not know when I may be called upon to pass through a fiery trial or when tragedy may strike.
- I do not know when a loved one may be taken away or when I shall be called to join those who have gone before.
- I do not know why sorrows come into our lives.
- I do not know why innocent people are called upon to suffer for the sins of others.
- I do not know why things which I desire are denied me nor why things which I would avoid are thrust upon me.
- I do not know how the flesh can stand the suffering which it is sometimes called upon to endure.
- I do not know how the soul can go through the waters deep and chill, which threaten to engulf it.
- I do not know how to reconcile God's love for men with the terrible tragedy and suffering which Divine Providence visits upon them.

But, I do not need to know what, nor when, nor how, nor why, because I do know "whom I have believed" (II Timothy 1:12).

I know God. In the Lord Jesus Christ I find Him perfectly revealed. The God I know is a God of love. His love is manifest in the death of Christ on the cross for our sins. He loved us and gave Himself for us.

The God I know is wise. He is the Author of all wisdom and all knowledge. He knows the end from the beginning. The God I know is omnipotent. He upholds "all things by the word of his power."

I can trust Him who is Himself perfect love and power and wisdom. He knows what I need and understands what is best for me, and He will not permit anything else to come into my life. He is able to give me strength to face whatever may come into my life.

Do you know Him?

(Text from "As the small rain" by Bob Jones, Jr., found at http://www.baptistbiblebelievers.com/BookList/ASTHESMALLRAINbyDrBobJoneJr1945.aspx)