Today’s devotional, prepared by Pastor Jason Sato, was originally posted on November 6, 2014. He and his wife Jessica (along with their three young children) recently moved to Japan to serve as missionaries.
Devotional Thought for Today
“Not Evolution, but By God’s Wisdom”
Proverbs 3:19-20
The LORD by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens; [20] by his knowledge the deeps broke open, and the clouds drop down the dew.
Nowadays, evolution rules: humans are byproducts of an undirected natural process without either plan or purpose. It certainly is a politically correct view but is not very wise because it is by wisdom the Lord founded the earth and established the heavens (v. 19). Wisdom, not random chance, brought life and order out of chaos. The wisdom of God did not just inaugurate creation, but it was active in the ancient flood and continues to sustain and shape the creative order (v. 20). The wisdom of God is interwoven into creation and even history.
Even as I consider something as small as my own life, there are many things I don’t understand. I often wonder why things are the way they are. Why do things change so slowly? Why is my family generationally Buddhist rather than generationally Christian? Why am I so short? Ha-ha.
Our passage reminds us that there is a God who shaped the heavens and the earth and He is wise beyond our understanding. The One who created all things is the One who sustains all things and continues to shape all things.
We tend to not handle mystery very well. So when questions arise, we are tempted to spend all of our energy determining exactly what God is doing. Often, we end up finding ourselves unable to think of any explanation that satisfies us; perhaps, we doubt God can either.
Our passage today invites us to lay these futile quests aside and simply trust God who has created us for a purpose (Eph. 2:10). Furthermore, God, who knows the stars by name, certainly knows the hearts of His children. The God of wisdom founded the earth and He is able to work all things for our good. Go to Him and entrust the many questions and mysteries of your life to His care.
Prayer: Father, there are many things that I don’t understand and I’m thankful that there is a God who does. In the midst of confusion, give me grace to hold on to the rock that is Your Son. I know that You love me, and I trust in Your faithful care.
Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 43
Lunch Break Study
Read Job 38:4-7: “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. [5] Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? [6] On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone, [7] when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
Questions to Consider
- What does our passage tell us about God?
- What does our passage tell us about man?
- What response should this passage elicit? What if we add our knowledge of the cross?
Notes
- God is eternal, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, and glorious.
- Man has a brief lifespan, finite power, and very limited knowledge.
- The passage elicits fear and awe. When the grace and love of God are added to this, we are compelled to both worship and trust.
Evening Reflection
Were you able to recognize God’s wisdom in how He has shaped your life today? What questions arose in your heart about your circumstances or life today? Take these questions to the Lord.