I like God because he has everything under control

Danny Fourie

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him …Romans 8:28

Yesterday we talked about the ancient Israelites who followed for days and weeks and years behind the cloud in which God lead them. Often they had just pitched their tent and put the kids to bed, then the Lord decided it was time to go again. The cloud is going ahead – and the people had to follow. Utterly exhausted.

I can well imagine how the Israelites complained. They did have something to eat every day, but why does the Lord make it so difficult for them to travel further? They just do not get where they should be. What was God's purpose? Of course they did not understand anything of that.

It is easy for us to talk. We see their embroidery piece from the top. We know that God's purpose for his people was. He wanted to guide them to his promised land. During the long journey God wanted to see who he truly can trust and therefore be worthy of the Promised Land.

You might say that the old Israelites did know well that the Lord meant the best for them and wanted to lead them to the Promised Land. So they really had no reason to complain. The journey did not proceed as they anticipated, but the goal was clear.

And we? As believers in Jesus Christ we too of course know where God is finally taking us.

Sometimes, God's cloud also leads us to other directions as what we anticipated or wanted to. But we can trust that whatever way he goes with our life, it is the only right way. He knows what is best for us. Trust him. We may ask whether the Lord will take us on a particular road, but when he decides upon the opposite, we must rely on the fact that his way is best.

Prayer: Teach me Lord to trust your insight to lead me on ways I did not think I would have liked to be. Thank you that you have my best interest at heart. Amen