Convoluted

Have you ever thought of the ways of God as being convoluted? Perhaps it sounds a bit disrespectful or irreverent, but many of us have felt that way even if we have not been willing to express our opinion in so many words. According to Webster’s New Dictionary, convoluted means, “1. folded in curved or tortuous windings, 2. involved, intricate.” It seems that so much of God’s ways are not simple and to the point but indirect, complex and often difficult to understand with the natural mind. Can you imagine how difficult it must have been for Joseph to grasp God’s plan to use the woman to whom he was pledged to marry as the mother of the messiah through a miraculous intervention by God. Why would God choose a manger as the birth place of his son? Why reveal the birth of Jesus to the shepherds? Why have the Magi make the trip to deliver gifts to the child and then allow the slaughter of the innocent children? Why choose Mary? Why in Bethlehem? Why? Why? Why?

We can look back on these events and give an explanation for many of the why questions. I seriously doubt those involved at the time would have known what we know or had the insight we currently possess. Perhaps you have had some unanswered questions as well. You may wonder why certain things have occurred in your life. You may even be tempted to feel that the ways of God in your circumstances are convoluted. They don’t always make sense. Life can feel out of control. Like God is somewhere else and not involved in or perhaps even interested in your issues. We know better of course, but …

God’s ways are not our ways. His plans and purposes are often not what we would expect not wish. Yet, his ways are best. But, they still may seem convoluted from the view of the natural way of thinking. If that describes you this year, may I suggest you try an experiment? Put yourself in the position of one of the characters of the Nativity narrative. How must they have felt? What would that have thought about their circumstances? How did they process the challenges they faced?

So often our walk with the Lord comes down to a simple concept, faith. I will trust when I cannot see. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In a culture where the modern world view with its scientific method dominates our way of thinking, pain, suffering, discomfort, and unanswered questions is often seen as old fashioned and unnecessary. God, however, still desires his children to trust him and walk in faith, trusting him and his goodness even when the path appears to be convoluted. Christmas is outmoded and old fashioned to those who do not know our Lord. To those of us who know him, it makes perfect sense. Someday, the circumstances of our lives will be understood and recognized as the perfect plan of God. Until then, may we walk in faith and trust his heart even though his plan does not make sense.

Merry Christmas!