When Faith Exceeds Understanding

Regardless of how diligent and thorough our efforts in studying God’s Word may be, we invariably come across certain topics and subject matter which simply leave us “stumped”. Recently a few of these “tough” topics have been at the forefront in several class discussions. The nature and character of the Trinity (one God in three distinct persons), for instance, is one such topic. The divinity and humanity of the Christ is another. Discussions based on these topics often leave us with more questions than answers. For many students, questions like these which yield no definable answers are frustrating and confounding. Some students end up questioning their beliefs because of issues that cannot easily be resolved by logic or empirical data. To those who oppose the validity and authority of the Bible, these issues provide fuel for their antagonistic positions. However, it is my opinion that frustration and confusion were not the Creator’s intent when He chose to reveal certain truths that are difficult, if not impossible to solidly grasp with human intellect.

A. W. Tozer wrote “we can know God only to the extent which He has made Himself known”. In other words, we don’t “figure out” God; instead, He graciously reveals all that we need to know through the vehicle of the written Word and through the illuminating power of the Holy Spirit. Yet there are countless things revealed in the Scriptures about God which seem far beyond our reach – beyond our comprehension. I find that these mysteries compel me to pursue the hidden answers all the more. Could it be that the journey to find the answers holds as much value in God’s economy as the nature of the answers themselves? Could it be that our quest for knowledge and clear understanding is the key to something far more useful than obtaining the answers themselves?

I am blessed to have had the privilege of being a Bible teacher for the past 15 years. During that span I have diligently poured myself into studying to show myself approved – always seeking to carefully handle and preserve the truth of the Scriptures. The weight of responsibility carried by a genuine teacher of God’s Word is often staggering. My most earnest prayer as a teacher has always been “God, for the sake of your glory and for the sake of those who look to me for help and guidance, don’t let me get it wrong.” I used to absolutely cringe when a student asked me a question that I had no idea how to answer. But those questions drove me to study harder and dig deeper. And though I have failed many times as a teacher, He has remained faithful to His promise to always provide for those sitting under my teaching in spite of me.

There are still many questions I cannot answer. There are many things about the great I Am which simply leave me mystified and baffled. But I am now finding new blessings in those truths that extend beyond my finite mind and leave me endlessly wondering and contemplating. I have begun to experience new respect and awe when considering the fact that my heavenly Father is much larger and more expanse than my mind can possibly contain. And it is there - where human knowledge meets its match - that I experience a peace that surpasses all of my understanding.

In retrospect I have discovered that it has been those unsolvable mysteries of the Scriptures that have kept me seeking and digging with an unquenchable desire to know Him more. In my quest to find answers I’ve uncovered a faith that weathers even the toughest of storms. The more I contemplate the issue, the more I realize that a god who could be neatly and concisely defined with finite wisdom and finite intellectual capacity would be no god at all. Thank you Lord for the mind you have given me to understand that which I am able to receive about you. And thank you even more for the faith to accept those things about you which are too great for me to comprehend!

I leave you with two quotes to chew on as food for thought. The first is a prayer written by Tozer in his timeless work The Knowledge of the Holy; the other is a passage from Paul's great dissertation on salvation - Romans.

Teach us to know that we cannot know, for the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Let faith support us where reason fails, and we shall think because we believe, not in order that we may believe. In Jesus’ name, Amen. A.W. Tozer

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, OR WHO BECAME HIS COUNSELOR? Or WHO HAS FIRST GIVEN TO HIM THAT IT MIGHT BE PAID BACK TO HIM AGAIN? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen. (Romans 11:33-36)

Thanks for reading.

cb