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When things are going well, it's relatively easy (unless you forget because life is so good) to praise God. But when little or big events make life difficult (your refrigerator goes on the blink in the middle of summer; a truck runs a stoplight—and into your car; a close friend's child is hospitalized; a parent dies), sometimes you wonder if God is still there, and if he cares.

It's interesting that, within the context of the famous "Love passage," 1 Corinthians 13, Paul includes these verses. He points out that, on earth, you won't always know the whats, hows, and whys: "Now we see in a mirror, dimly" and "Now I know in part" (13:12).

Not knowing why a life event is happening can be terribly frustrating. But you can use the opportunity either to turn away from God or to turn toward him. If you really want to show your devotion to God, it must be unconditional, as God's love for you is. If you just have "faith, hope, love" (13:13), Paul promises that someday you'll see God face-to-face. Then you'll know and understand everything! (See also 1 Kings 18; 1 Chronicles 29:1-20; Haggai 1:1-11; Acts 4:32-5:11.)

Now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide in faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:12-13

Love God unconditionally—even in the face of uncertainty.

Copyright 2001 by the author or Christianity Today International/Christian Bible Studies.

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