God's Intentions

So listen to me, you men of understanding. Far be it from God to do evil, from the Almighty to do wrong. He repays a man for what he has done; he brings upon him what his conduct deserves. It is unthinkable that God would do wrong, that the Almighty would pervert justice.

(Job 34:10-12)

The much younger Elihu responds to Job and the other older gentleman with such wisdom. He has to remind them that God never does evil. He cannot do wrong! He is always faithful and just. If we are to be a people of understanding, we need to first know who God is and how He acts. God's intentions are for our good . . . David's words would fit well here:

The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD (are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the LORD are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold;they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward. But who can discern their own errors?

(Psalm 19:7-12)

God has a plan for each of us. The more we understand God and the more we understand His character, the better we can go through life and its ups and downs. We cannot understand this life with our own understanding. God is pruning us, whether with correction or direction! He knows what is best for us in order to be the best for His sake.

Paul says it well in Romans:

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[i] have been called according to his purpose.

(Romans 8:28)

The present sufferings, disappointments, frustrations, even the successes we are going through are merely steps we go through to fulfill God's perfect will for us. Are we willing to accept the life God has for us? Do we seek God's intentions or our own? rust Him . . . He is still in control!