Friday, November 25, 2011

"Beyond the Norm"


I have a cold (which is the reason this is late going out, by the way). Doubtless I came in contact in recent days with the virus that causes such maladies, and my immune system was unable to fight off the invading and rapidly multiplying swarm (Ow! that sounds nasty, doesn't it? Feels nasty). This supplies the natural explanation.

But is there something more than merely the natural in such experiences? Born again believers in the Lord Jesus Christ definitively believe there is something beyond the norm in the midst of our everyday experiences. "All things work together for good to that that love God" (Romans 8:28). Furthermore, "His understanding is infinite," meaning that His knowledge of my existence transcends the span of time and experience (Psalm 147:5). No moment or experience comes to us unanticipated by the Lord, nor without the weaving of His purposes into whatever we may face. I must therefore receive the cold as something He either determined or allowed for His glory, my benefit, and the benefit of others in my life.

Life takes on a different meaning altogether when we perceive the realities of both the natural and the supernatural. Earthly things are real, and we respond to them as such. With earnest intention and effort, we make provision for those necessities for which can supply with our minds, hands and feet. Nevertheless, we believe in God's involvement and supply, trusting that He is working even as we are working (and supplying the strength for our efforts). Furthermore, those challenges we can't overcome also press us to the same faith in God's involvement and supply as we prayerfully trust and submit ourselves to Him.

Along these lines, I'm taking medicines for my cold, resting, and yes, Frances, I promise to drink plenty of fluids! I'm also trusting in the providence and provision of the God so lovingly involved in my existence that He counts the dwindling numbers of hairs on my head (Matthew 10:30). At the very least, He allowed the molecular gates of my sinuses to be open when the virus approached and entered. I may or may not ever know the whys and wherefores for this episode and illness in my life. Such knowledge is not necessary. It is necessary, however, that I trust the Lord's willingness and ability to perfectly fit the natural realities of a cold into His greater purposes of supernatural glory. In this act of faith, my heart is kept at peace, and I am far more likely to fulfill God's will in the present distress. That's all I need to know for now, and all that is required to glorify the Lord Jesus who purposes to waste no moment or exigency in our lives...

"God... worketh all things after the counsel of His own will."
(Ephesians 1:11)

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