12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.
1 Corinthians 13:12 (ESV)
I must admit that I don’t remember when or even why I decided to entitle my book In a Mirror Dimly. It was a very dark time for me as I was grieving Sally’s death and then contemplating a move away from my home of so many years. I recall that as I asked “why?” this verse kept showing up. And now I can understand some of that.
As we try to understand the horrific events of tragedies like that occurred last week in Texas, this verse keeps reoccurring in my thoughts again. As Dr. Jim Denison has written, “why didn’t our omnipotent God do all his power enables him to do to prevent this tragedy from happening?” Secularists can and have opined that these times put a giant question into our beliefs of an omnipotent, omniscient God who loves each of us.
But, allow me to again share Dr. Denison’s words, “Here’s what we must not do: we must not settle for easy answers to innocent suffering. They are not only the wrong answers—they are the opposite of the hope we need today.”
Our beliefs are centered on the Word of God, as incarnated in the person of Christ Jesus who lives and reigns today – and tomorrow. That Word is filled with His promises, promises to us that reflect His Father’s character. During those times that have been trials to me, I have prayed those promises over and over. Those promises are built around love. John wrote, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 ESV Focus on these promises: He so loved. He loves us so much that He sacrificed His only son for us. And whoever. Not some, not only those of one race, class, creed, color, or resume’. Whoever! That means any of us.
During this time of grief and mourning, realize again that we only see as in a mirror dimly, and can only know a part of the story. But the day will come when we will know fully.
Blessings.
