Ha! What do we know?

One night as Beth recited Romans eleven to me, I tried to pay attention and attempted (and gave up) to wrap my little brain around this confusing passage. Paul continues going on tangents and rabbit trails to try to get his point across but, finally, he sighs (not really) then concludes;

"O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counselor

Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?

For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen."

Romans 11:33-36

I like to imagine Paul sitting there with his face in his hands, groaning about how to explain this complicated idea. Then, he picks up his pen and basically says, "If you don't understand, take it up with God. Oh, and by the way, this is what He's like."

This also reminds me of when God comes to Job in a whirlwind after Job's suffering and asks Job questions about Himself and the wonders of Creation.

"Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? or hast thou walked in the search of the depth?

Have the gates of death been opened unto thee? or hast thou seen the doors of the shadow of death?

Hast thou perceived the breadth of the earth? declare if thou knowest it all...

Knowest thou it, because thou wast then born? or because the number of thy days is great?

Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail,

Which I have reserved against the time of trouble, against the day of battle and war?"

Job 38:16-18 and 21-23

These parts of Scripture put so much into perspective! When we say, "Why God?! How is this going to further your Kingdom?" Or, "Why me?!" God is so complex that our brains can't even begin to comprehend His majesty! When we don't understand or we doubt, I hope we can remember these passages and give our troubles back to God with trust that His ways are higher and that our problems are safest in the Almighty's hands.