Over the past few days I have dealt with symptoms similar to a terrible cold and cough. The worst part of it affects my mind. When my head is this congested and even worse when I take medicine to help, my mind is clogged as well. I have to think very hard—much like trying to see what’s out there through a fog.
I keep thinking of Paul’s words: “For now we see in a mirror indirectly, but then we will see face to face.” (1 Cor. 13:12, NET). Other translations use words to describe our sight—dimly, imperfectly, or darkly. The Message says, “We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist.”
Although I feel like I can’t think well with this sickness, I also know that it is a temporary condition.
That’s also true of my understanding of God. The fact is that I can only dimly see him now. He is mystery, despite the fact that I want to figure him out. My human condition means that I cannot grasp him or put him in my box built by my logic and intelligence. God is so much more than I can define or grab onto. But the day will come when I see him face to face, when the picture will clear.
The current world situation suggests that we give into fear an uncertain future in an age of terrorism, violence, and persecution. We look at the dearth of leadership and wonder what God is doing and why.
So when fear threatens my faith because of the fog, I grab onto what the Bible clearly reveals about God’s character. What is clear is that he is sovereign, faithful, wise, loving, good, and powerful. Although his short-term purposes may be a mystery, his long-term plans to build his church and purify his people are sure, and I can trust that he will bring them to pass.
