The Unseen Hand of God

Contributed by Pastor Kevin Parks

Scripture: Rom 3:23

God has chosen to reveal Himself to His people with many names, words, illustrations and phrases.

This is done to help us know Him and put our trust and faith in His love and care. One of these images that come to mind is the unseen hand of God. The idea here is that Almighty God is at work arranging things without revealing it or even explaining it.

You may be able to think of examples of this throughout the Bible and the lives of the saints of God. But just maybe you can also reflect on times in your own life when things worked out to bring glory to God. You may even be going through things now wondering why the situation you are in is happening. God is always at work in the lives of those He loved so much that Jesus was willing to suffer and die for. What Almighty God wants to work or accomplish in our lives may be different than what we want. But in God’s unseen hands He shapes and molded us to better reflect Him in this world.

In the Gospel of John two situations arise that Jesus tells His disciples that He is glad that it happened so that God would be glorified. In chapter nine a man born blind is the focus of attention.

When asked who had sinned to cause this blindness Jesus says no one, although we know we have all sinned (Romans 3:23). What Jesus replies stands out to me, that this blindness happened that the works of God might be displayed in him (vs. 3).

The second example is with the death of Lazarus in chapter eleven. Jesus is told that His friend is very sick, and Jesus waits to go to him until He knows Lazarus is dead. What! Why? However, verse fourteen reveals the mystery, Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus has died, and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”

These and many other examples should help us rest in God, knowing that even in the most difficult times of life His hand is guiding, supporting, and working in us for His glory.

I like how the Message Bible phrases this famous passage in Proverbs, Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;

he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life! Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over. But don’t, dear friend, resent God’s discipline; don’t sulk under his loving correction. It’s the child he loves that God corrects; a father’s delight is behind all this. (Proverbs 3:5-12).

So, whether your own situation is one of struggle or peace, trust in the unseen hand of Almighty God. He stands with us; He leads and guides us. He holds us and is at work in us for His glory. And as Paul so clearly says, So, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV).

0 replies

Want to join the discussion?
Feel free to contribute!