god's design and our participation

​The grand design of God is amazing to behold.  He is the One that gave us our brains. We are the only part of His creation that can think critically. Almost as soon as we can talk, we begin to ask: why? As we grow, the conventions of our culture instruct us that there are some things you don’t talk about, other things that are appropriate to the situation, and other things that you just should never speak of. Then as we age we discover all too quickly that paradox and incongruity are as normal as the precious air we breathe. The same God that gave us these amazing brains to ask why, seek out answers, and discover meanings, also asks us to trust with no evidence, and to believe and have faith in something we cannot see. It is the reality of this paradox that God trusts us with.  His word is a powerful revelation to help us navigate the complexity of learning and faith.  The prophet Jeremiah saw the destruction of the city of Jerusalem from an invading army, yet under the inspiration of the Spirit he could write the following words from Lamentations 3:21-26. Lam. 3:21   This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. 22 It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. 24 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. 25 The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. 26 It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD. Our skills at critical thinking AND our unwavering faith in God result in steadfast, resolute, and unshakeable faith.  Praise God!

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