“Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.” John 13:7.

Life journey takes us through unknown pathways with many twists, turns and sharp detours that are not easily understood… but, the word of the Lord reminds us that we can find rest in the knowledge that all things are orchestrated by His divine counsel. “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.” Ephesians 1:4-6.

Can you imagine the reaction of Jesus’ disciples when He began to wash their feet- they were taken off guard and confused; and Simon Peter, the one who was quick to take action… immediately questioned the necessity of the Lord washing his feet “After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.” John 13:7.

The disciples needed to understand some vital concepts as Jesus prepared to face the cross – 1) that they were washed and cleaned through Him . . . a part of Him and 2) that if He the Lord and Master of all, could humble Himself and wash their feet, then they too must follow in example and lovingly serve others.

The disciples didn’t understand the lesson fully, but God was working things out for the greater good of all mankind. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28.

Just like the disciples, those times in life when the way appears unclear and difficult, we must remember that God’s thoughts and ways far exceed what we can humanly understand. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9.

But praise be to God, we can be confident in is His amazing grace and unconditional love now and forever! My friends, if we truly love the Lord, and trust in His sovereignty…we can have peace in knowing that where He leads is always best. “And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” 1 John 4:16. God is the lover and keeper of our souls!

So, when you just don’t understand, listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and trust where He leads…as the saying goes, we may not be able to trace His hands, but we can certainly trust His heart; and as the old spiritual goes . . . we will understand it better by and by! 

By and by, when the morning comes,

When the saints of God are gathered home,

We’ll tell the story how we’ve overcome,

For we’ll understand it better by and by.

 

God’s comforting joy and peace be with you always.