The Upper Room Devotional for October 4, 2023
The Upper Room Devotional for October 4, 2023 , Wednesday Message by Beverly Taylor (Arizona, USA)
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TOPIC: God’s Mysteries
TODAY’S READING
Job 38:1-7
[God said to Job,] “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand.” – Job 38:4 (NIV)
I know the basic principle at work when I place a dish of food in the microwave — atoms and energy create waves that vibrate to heat my food — but I cannot pretend to fully understand the complex science behind it. However, this lack of knowledge does not prevent me from using my microwave. I am just happy my food warms quickly!
Similarly, I do not understand the mysteries of God, but my lack of knowledge does not prevent me from trusting God. In today’s scripture reading, God poses a series of questions to Job concerning the complexities of creation. Like Job, I don’t understand how God created our world. I don’t understand exactly how my belief in Jesus gives me a personal relationship with an unseen God. I don’t understand how the Holy Spirit intervenes in my life, offering abiding peace through scripture and prayer. As the apostle Paul said, we see things dimly now, like a cloudy reflection in a mirror, but someday we will understand (see 1 Cor. 13:12).
I do not have to understand something to know that it is so. My immediate surroundings hold countless instances of mystery that nudge me toward the awesomeness of God. In spite of incomplete understanding, spiritual life is born in and nourished by faith.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Creator, thank you for guiding us to you through the mystery and wonder of the world around us. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Today I will celebrate the mystery of God.
PRAYER FOCUS
Scientists
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