When we first heard the news that my sister-in-law had a rare stomach cancer and there was not much of a treatment plan, it made no sense. When she was taken to her eternal home January 24, 2021, it made no sense. When my nephew was diagnosed with Leukemia just 7 months after his mom had been buried, it made no sense. And when my nephew was called home, July 14, 2022, it again was impossible to wrap our minds around all that had transpired. It is so mind-boggling to comprehend my brother has buried 2 family members and relying on our own logic and reasoning it just does not add up.  

Yet Tony Evans shares a clearer perspective:

“God’s vantage point is so far above our own that when we seek to interject our logic or rationale into the equation, it’s like trying to put together a puzzle with only a fraction of the pieces. Logically figuring out God’s ways will never happen, simply because we don’t have all the information” (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Tony Evans, Pathways: Lesson from Esther

It is here the illustration of The Cross can help us understand how we try to make logical sense of the happenings around us just like the Jews and Greeks at the time of Christ.

“For the Jews, being crucified meant being cursed and forsaken by God. To them, Jesus’ death was a sign that He wasn’t who He claimed to be. To the Greeks, crucifixion was a mark of shame. It would have been unbelievable to them. Worshiping a crucified criminal would have been nonsense.”

–p. 35

Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense. But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength.

1 Corinthians 1:21-25, NLT

Through this reasoning, the Apostle Paul wisely presents the cross’s foolishness is only from a human perspective.  

“The Father allowed human evil against His Son to fulfill His purpose.”

–p. 35

As I have tussled with these matters, God’s Words to man have brought the needed balm to my soul. I hope it will to each of you who have experienced what feels like the unjustness of life. For we know that God causes ALL THINGS in a believer’s life to work for His GOOD PURPOSE AND PLAN that He has designed for their path (Romans 8:28). God IS the MASTER DESIGNER! He has designed a life WITH PURPOSE for each of us. Through living out that purpose, we have the opportunity to lift His Name High and give Him the most glory and honor. He does not force us but invites us to rest in His Sovereign Rule and Providential Care for the Design He has skillfully and lovingly pre-designed for our revealing’s on this earth.

Gracious Heavenly Father, help us to trust your divine design and direction. Increase our faith so we can rest more fully in your providential care with confidence and joy shining forth as we walk out onto the stage of this life! In Jesus’ Name, AMEN~

“God has a myriad of reasons for what He does and for what He allows.”

–p. 35