The Mail Server
Posted by Dion Todd August 28th, 2024 1,306 Views 32 Comments
They went out from there and passed through Galilee. He didn't want anyone to know it, for he was teaching his disciples, and said to them, "The Son of Man is being handed over to the hands of men, and they will kill him; and when he is killed, on the third day he will rise again." But they didn't understand the saying, and were afraid to ask him. Mark 9:30–32 WEB.
The office manager nodded and smiled as I explained the details of how the new mail server I had built for them worked. Yet, as his eyes glazed over and he began looking at his watch, I could tell he didn't really understand any of it. While working in the computer field, I have tried to explain something that I thought was simple to someone and received that very same look many times. It was a look I saw often, but it didn't matter.
The system worked fine, and they could continue their office work without ever knowing how that mail server worked. It ran silently in the backroom for years and consistently delivered their email. Most of the employees didn't even know what that box was or why it was back there, though they sent mail through it every day. All they knew was that the blue light should be on or they needed to call Dion, and they had my phone number taped across the front of the machine. They were delighted to let me worry about the things they didn't understand.
In your walk with God, there are going to be some things that you don't understand. "Why did this happen?" will always be just a thought away. If you really want to know, don't be afraid to ask Him, but never let your lack of understanding become an impasse for you. Don't let it become a stumbling block. Just save it for a later time. One day we will understand.
God answers us because He wants to, not because He has to. As with a person, you should ask your question nicely and be patient while waiting for the answer. If you try and twist His arm, you will find that it doesn't bend easily. And you are always free to sulk in a corner while the world marches on around you. It's your life, and you can choose to do that. But if you keep a positive attitude and let it go, you will continue, and one day you may understand it anyway.
There are so many questions that I don't have an answer to. There are many things I can't explain. Yet, I have decided to put those on the back burner and focus on what I understand today. It is enough for me to keep life as simple as possible.
My relationship with Jesus is my prize, goal, and passion. I choose to rest in the arms of Jesus and to let Him worry about the things that I don't understand. For me to do it would be like an ant worrying about the orbit of the Moon. It is simply beyond me and my abilities.
When I have asked Him about scripture or a question, I have often had a dream or a revelation that did help me understand it better. Just know that you don't need to understand how God works for Him to be working. Focus on the parts you do know until He gives you more. It's good for us to not understand something but trust that He does. Don't let your lack of understanding affect your relationship.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You for being there for me. You know the end from the beginning. While there are things I don't understand, I choose to trust in You, and I will not let my lack of understanding diminish my faith. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!
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