Do You Speak “God”?
Dan Kunz
Have you ever tried to communicate with someone who speaks a different language? It can be very frustrating. Depending on the language, you may pick out a word or a phrase here and there, but the gist of the conversation is just not there. Comedians make fun of our propensity to simply talk louder - as if that will somehow help the other person understand. Sometimes it’s not the actual language, but the ideas which are not being communicated. For example, my daughter’s fiancée is very technologically savvy. I am not. When Scott tries to explain to me what he’s doing or going to do to set up my new laptop, I understand most of the words, but don’t really get the meaning. I’m afraid that’s the way it is with us and God. We don’t always “get” what he’s telling us.
Two weeks ago our son-in-law’s grandmother passed away. She was ninety years old, in perfect health, and mentally as sharp as she could be. Her daughter called to say she and her family would be dropping over for a visit. Jeanne said she’d take a little nap so she could be ready to entertain guests. She laid down on her bed, put an afghan across her legs, folded her hands across her chest, fell asleep and never woke up. Perfect! We got what God was saying, “It’s time for Jeanne to go home.”
Earlier this week, one of our church’s native pastors in Arizona, Kirk Massey, husband, father, busy leader of his church, passed away suddenly at his home. God said, “It’s time for Kirk to go home.” We don’t get it. It doesn’t make sense to us. We hear the words, but don’t grasp the idea. Get the difference? It’s in our understanding, not in God’s message.
How is the problem solved? Two ways. First, go to God’s Word and read about his plan for us and for our lives. He may not spell out every situation and detail, but the general plan is there. Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Secondly, trust. Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” As followers of the risen Savior, we know our Heavenly Father will ultimately do what’s in our best interest. We strive to understand through his Word and trust him for the things we don’t fully grasp.
Are those things easy to do? No, many times they are not, but they are easier when we realize and plumb the depths of God’s love for us. A God who loves his rebellious children enough to take care of their physical needs, shower them with blessings of all shapes and sizes, and send his own Son to die in their place so that they can be with him in heaven for eternity, certainly loves with a love beyond all human understanding, even if we don’t always “get it”!
No matter the challenge in our life - death, loneliness, addiction, uncertainty or anxiety - God understands our language. When we ponder and trust his Word, we can better understand his.