July 9

Who is the man who fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the path chosen for him. — Ps 25:12 BSB

In all the countless situations that have caused distress for God’s children, has the Lord ever made a mistake? Though he has baffled human nature, confounded human reasoning, turned our plans upside down, and perhaps done what we most feared, going against every natural desire of our hearts—can we say that he has erred? Has he made a mistake? Has he acted unwisely or done anything that wasn’t for our spiritual good?

Our murmuring, rebellious, unbelieving hearts must be silent! Can mere humans, foolish creatures of dust, lift their weak voices and claim that God has made a mistake? Your path may be dark, confusing, and full of pain. You may not see God’s hand in the trial you are facing or believe that it will work for your good. I understand this, for I have felt it and known it myself. But the time will come when this dark path will be filled with light, and you will realize the truth of God’s word: “He led the blind by a way they did not know.”

When we truly understand that God is infinitely wise and cannot make a mistake, we are silenced. We have nothing more to say. We find ourselves where Aaron was when his sons, Nadab and Abihu, were struck down by the Lord. Aaron knew that God could not err, so he held his peace (Leviticus 10:3). This is our place as well. If we know anything about the folly of human beings and the wisdom of God, we will respond in the same way. When our own loved ones are struck down, we are to hold our peace, bowing low before God, for he is still accomplishing his purposes, even in the face of our natural instincts, desires, and reasoning.