By Katy Mariotti

Faith and Understanding

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.”
Hebrews 11:1-3 English Standard Version

I recently saw these beautiful lily pads while with my family. We were amazed at the size and varied colors of the flowers. My children wanted to get closer to take pictures. Even close up the water was quite dark and we couldn’t really see what was underneath. Both my kids wondered how the flowers grew. In that exact moment, we weren’t in a position to look up how lily pads grow, and I wasn’t about to let them fish around in the water to find out!

I am so grateful that God blessed us with curious minds. Our brains want to learn, to find out why things are the way they are and how things work. And what a beautiful thing that is! After all, Jesus said in Mark,

“…’Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand? For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret except to come to light. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.'”
Mark 4:21-23 ESV

God gave us minds to think and to learn and to understand. But sometimes we just can’t. At that very moment, we didn’t know how those lily pads grew. And there are bigger things in life we can’t understand: Why didn’t I get that job? Why did that relationship not work out? Why did I lose my loved one when I did? The unanswered questions can weigh on us.

We can be grateful that we have a God we can trust, in whom we can put our faith. A God who promises that He loves us and wants the best for us. A God who sent His only Son to die for us. And someday the secrets will come to light. We might not have known how the lily pads grew, but we can be grateful for their beauty that brightened our day. I pray that God gives you trust and peace today about all your unanswered questions!

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado