In the previous devotional I said that it’s sometimes hard to see how God is working in your life, especially when you’re going through a time that is particularly head-scratching or uncertain.

But just because you can’t see how God is working, that doesn’t mean he isn’t. 

Let me build on a related theme. There are times when something happens to you and you think it’s random or chance. However, have you considered that God is guiding you, or providing for you, even though you can’t yet see how he is doing so?

Consider the visit of the wise men to Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Matthew 2:11 tells us how “they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” (For the record, gold is gold, but frankincense and myrrh were used as incense, perfumes or medicines.)

These gifts beg a question. Do they have any practical value for a new family? Every year a cartoon circulates of some “wise women” visiting the holy family. Instead of gold, frankincense and myrrh, they present gifts which are intended to look decidedly more useful: fresh diapers, casseroles and formula. It’s meant for a laugh, of course. But we’re not thinking big picture enough if we assume that the gifts from the actual wise men were impractical.

First, they were fit for a king (which Jesus was). 

Second (and this is what we often miss), they would have been incredibly useful for their coming journey. A few verses later we learn that Herod is about to go on a killing spree. As a result, the family needs to flee to Egypt. Therefore, having gold, frankincense and myrrh would have been incredibly helpful to have: they could have been sold or exchanged for food, clothing, accommodation, and possibly even protection for a long and difficult journey.

Might it have been the case that God was providing in advance for their journey to Egypt? I think so.

With that in mind, let’s return to our original point. Just because you can’t see how God is working, that doesn’t mean he isn’t. What if things are happening in your life—right now—which are preparing you for what you’re about to face? What if seemingly random experiences or events are God providing for you as you journey forward into the fog of the future? You don’t know what’s coming up, but God does.

One of the phrases people use for God’s name is “Jehovah Jireh.” It comes from Genesis 22:14 and means “The LORD will provide.” And he does.

You may only see the puzzle pieces. But God sees the big picture.

The Lord will provide.

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Notes:

–The Up Devotional is published 5 days a week (Monday-Friday) and returns on January 15, 2024.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.