“Why is light given to those in misery, and life to the bitter of soul, to those who long for death that does not come, who search for it more than for hidden treasure, who are filled with gladness and rejoice when they reach the grave? Why is life given to a man whose way is hidden, whom God has hedged in? For sighing has become my daily food; my groans pour out like water. What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me. I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil.” Job 3:20-26
There was a conversation with Keith Logan last summer where we were talking about the many challenges facing Haiti, when I shared with him that there were times when I just didn’t want to read any more news coming out of Haiti; too depressing. There were times when other Haitian friends and I send text messages or email to each other and their words brought the challenges they are facing to an elevated level of pain. What are God’s plans through all of their painful challenges? I don’t know.
One message last week shared that the street in front of their school in PAP was filled with armed gang members several blocks in each direction. Parents were not permitted to cross the street to bring their children home. And if they picked them up, they feared that the gang members would follow them home and take over their home and possessions. There have been some schools close for a week, a month or until the gang activity subsides. What are God’s plans through all of these challenges? I don’t know.
Last week, the Supreme Court of Kenya announced their country would not be sending a 1,000 member police force to Haiti on behalf of the UN to break up the gang activity, and help train Haiti police. Then late last week the President of Kenya proclaimed they the police force was going to be sent, regardless of their Supreme Court. When are they coming? I don’t know. The gang activity keeps bringing fear as we continue to pray. Lord, what are your plans for putting an end to this gang activity? We don’t know His plans. We know He does have plans.
There are times when God's ways of doing things only causes us to be more confused. It really makes me feel helpless to say “I don’t know”, but…I really don't know. The great news is that God ‘knows’; He has a plan. He knows what is going to happen, how it will happen, when it will happen and where it will start to happen. God tells us “Trust Me." God never promised He would inform us all about His plan ahead of time; He's just promised He has one. Ultimately, it's for our good and His glory. He knows; we don't. So, if you and I meet someday and you ask me when the challenges in Haiti are going to end, don't be surprised if I say, "I don't know." On this side of Paradise, I don’t know…but He knows
Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, 8not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you,
Jay