As an evangelical Christian, I know that God guides us through the revelation of His Word, the leadership of the Holy Spirit, and the counsel of godly, mature believers. I believe that when we consciously seek God—be it about a particular job, buying a house, clinching a business deal, or even praying about a potential marriage partner—He will reveal His purposes to us in His time.
In the waiting process, there are times we find ourselves in periods of silence, lacking a clear direction for the decisions we are faced with. We might be confronted with an uncertain future because of a debilitating illness, awaiting the homecoming of a prodigal child, or feeling despair over the hurts we have experienced. Despitemuch prayer and waiting on God, we remain unsure about His leading. This may leave us feeling lost and confused.
Yet, in these difficult seasons, we can be certain that God will not forsake us. The prophet Isaiah writes about how God leads us in challenging times, “I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.” (Isaiah 42:16 NIV)
His ways of working may be unknown, unfamiliar, surprising and even mysterious at times, but He is always at work, leading us through the darkness as we learn to trust Him. Isaiah 50:10 reminds us, “Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God.”
In 1773, William Cowper penned the hymn, “God moves in mysterious ways”. He was no stranger to pain, confusion and darkness, having battled with heartbreak, depression, and suicidal tendencies throughout his life. Yet, because of his deep understanding of God’s character, he was able to write this song of praise,
God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform; He plants His footsteps in the sea, and rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines, of never-failing skill; He fashions up His bright designs, and works His sovereign will.
Ye fearful saints fresh courage take, the clouds that you much dread, are big with mercy and will break in blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, but trust Him for His grace; behind a frowning providence, He hides a smiling face.
His purposes will ripen fast, unfolding every hour; the bud may have a bitter taste, but sweet will be the flower.
Blind unbelief is sure to err, and scan His work in vain; God is His own interpreter, and He will make it plain.
The hymn declares that God works His sovereign will, gives grace and His purposes will ripen fast. We may not always fully understand the workings of God in our lives, but we can trust who He is. Our faith rests in the unchanging nature of God, who has given us the assurance that He will lead us through, no matter the circumstance.
Keep trusting in Him!
Lam Kok Hiang has over 30 years of experience in full-time Christian vocational ministry. He holds a MA (Biblical Studies) from Dallas Theological Seminary and has led Cru Singapore as National Team Leader since 2006. An avid runner, Kok Hiang shares a love for books with his wife, Sharon. Together, their desire is to see young leaders rise up in local churches and missions agencies across Asia.
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