Because we live in a physical realm with real needs, real problems and real issues–it’s easy to lose sight of the spiritual realm in which we also live. Of course, even saying “lose sight of” illustrates the point–it’s easy to lose sight of something we can’t even see.
We relate to this physical realm through our five senses. We see. We hear. We smell. We taste. We touch. And living in this realm requires material things like money, homes, cars, clothes and food. It’s all very real and tangible.
The spiritual realm is no less real though. It’s just unseen. And so we walk in it by faith–trusting that what God says is true, right and best. But that’s not easy when when our circumstances are difficult, confusing or painful.
One unseen truth I absolutely must come to grips with is this: God’s plan matters and mine doesn’t.
Now if my plan is in sync with God’s plan, then great. Often, that’s not the case though. My plan always includes comfort, pleasure and plenty of money. It never includes suffering or death.
Sometimes suffering or death is God’s plan though. And that’s when I’ve got to remind myself: God’s plan matters and mine doesn’t. If I don’t remember that when times get tough, I will find myself asking, “Where are You, Jesus? Don’t You see what’s happening here?”
Only I might not say it that nicely.
What got me thinking about this was a verse I read last night:
When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he returned to Galilee.
Returned to Galilee? Huh? Your cousin, the guy who prepared the way for You, the guy who baptized You is in prison and You leave? Try putting yourself in John’s position for a minute. Forget the fact that he was “John the Baptist” who preached in the desert and ate locusts. John was just an ordinary guy who didn’t want to be locked up.
Why didn’t Jesus go to Jerusalem and get him out of prison? Why didn’t He at least ask the Father to do something?
Why did He just go back to Galilee without doing anything to set John free from an unjust imprisonment?
Because it was not God’s will.
John had performed the ministry to which he’d been called. He had fulfilled his purpose in God’s plan. And now Jesus was fulfilling the ministry to which He’d been called, which, by the way, would also involve suffering and death.
Honestly, I wish it was different. I wish troubles and suffering and death weren’t a part of this life. I wish life could always be enjoyable and pleasant. I wish it could be like it was in the Garden of Eden before Adam and Eve rebelled.
But wishing doesn’t change this reality: God’s plan matters and mine doesn’t.