I know not, but God knows

I’ve had agonizing and tear-full times with God lately. I know not. In my limited human knowledge, I don’t understand why my first brain surgery stopped “working” and why I need to endure so much pain and challenge from another one.

Or why things took a sharp turn for the worse last week, requiring new intervention with a harsh drug’s side effects.

I don’t understand why this happened now, with a new book releasing in a few weeks with all the tasks I’m “supposed to do” as an author. I know not “why”…or “how.”

In cries of lament, I’ve needed to bring it all to His throne of mercy and grace and continually leave it in His all-knowing and wise heart of unending love for me.

What are your honest questions to our Abba Father today? In all of the “why” and “how” questions we ask in suffering, I thank God for the many kind answers that He gives us in His Word. Last week, I shared some and this week, I share more. This gives me so much hope, as I rest in what our loving God is doing…in all of it.

I know not…but God knows all. Perhaps He will comfort you as He’s comforting me into today’s tears. Let’s believe Him as we praise Him, together.

I know not, but I believe God, the Holy Spirit is at work always, including in this suffering

I know not how the Spirit moves,
convincing men of sin,
revealing Jesus through the Word,
creating faith in him. 

(“I Know Whom I Have Believed,” Whittle, D. W., 1883)

Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 

For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Cor. 12:8-10 ESV).

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me (Phil. 4:11-13 ESV).

And the effect of righteousness will be peace,

and the result of righteousness,

quietness and trust forever (Is. 32:17 ESV).

I know not…but I know suffering is helping me depend on my Father and trust His promises, just like Jesus had to

I know not what of good or ill
may be reserved for me,
of weary ways or golden days,
before his face I see. 

In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence.

Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him (Heb. 5:7-9 ESV).

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Mt. 16:24-25 ESV).

I know not…but I know God is refining me into Christ-likeness, preparing me to see Him as He is!

I know not when my Lord may come,
at night or noonday fair,
nor if I’ll walk the vale with him,
or “meet him in the air.” 

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit (2 Cor. 3:18 ESV).

training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 

waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,

who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works (Titus 2:12-14 ESV).

O LORD, you are my God;
I will exalt you; I will praise your name,
for you have done wonderful things,
plans formed of old, faithful and sure (Is. 25:1 ESV).

Material adapted from Singing the Gospel to Job: Finding Hope in Suffering, Lauri A. Hogle, © 2022

A playlist to help us both walk through suffering with hope in Christ

Sister in Christ, I know we’re both hurting from the suffering everyone experiences in this fallen world of sin. Let’s come to our loving and good Father with the “why” and “how” questions and re-find hope as we sing and cling to Him. So many become bitter and anxious when all they consider is “why me” and “why now” and “how” without turning back around to Him…in rested release.

To Whom? To the One who is our strength and shield, our Savior, our Lord. The great I AM, the Good Shepherd. I know that my Redeemer lives (Job 19:25)! I know Whom I have believed!

This week’s playlist gift of Scriptural worship music is crafted to help us both to quiet our “I know not” into deeper rest in Whom, re-knowing His love for us in Christ, as we suffer. For me as things worsen, it’s a continual prayer for His help to rest contented in Whom I know, releasing into His abiding love and protective care. And oh, how near He comes when my needs overwhelm me to tears and songs of God’s truth pour into my heart with hope.

His nearness is His help right now.

Do you need this too? Sister in Christ, if this music of singing Christ’s hope might bless you, sign up below and it will come to your email.