Thought for the Day - Monday 17 May

Romans 11:33 (New Living Translation)   Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!   In Romans chapter 11, Paul has been preaching about God’s relationship with the nation of Israel and her people.  He then goes on to describe some differences and some similarities between the Jews and the Gentiles in their relationship with God.  Paul draws one interesting conclusion that simply says: both groups have disobeyed the commandments of God and the teachings of Jesus and the individuals within each group will have the responsibility for accounting for this in their own personal relationship with God. Today’s verse is actually quite poetic in the way it is written.  It tells us firstly about the greatness of God’s riches.  Most people judge riches in terms of material possessions, the size of their house, what kind of car they drive, where they go their holidays etc. etc.  Earlier in Romans, Paul has written about the riches of God's kindness and patience (Romans 2:4), the riches of His glory (Romans 9:23), and His riches—of mercy—for the world (Romans 11:12). In each case, God's riches are described as endless and graciously given and shared.  This highlights differences in the way God thinks compared to the ways we think. In the remainder of the verse, Paul is in awe of God’s wisdom and knowledge, wisdom and knowledge that mankind will never have the capacity to understand.  Due to this lack of understanding, we will never be able to fully understand God’s decisions and His ways.  We will simply never be able to understand why God does the things He does.  All that is left is to believe that He will accomplish all that He has told us and to trust that these promises will be delivered in a Godly manner rather than in a way men and women can fathom.  We need to accept our limitations in thought, word and deed and to trust solely in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ for our salvation. Prayer Heavenly Father, Help us realise that we can never fully understand Your grand plan.  Help us to trust in You and help us to be patient when we ask You for help and guidance.  Help us to be thankful every day of our lives for our time in this world and help us seek to serve you in whatever ways we can.  Amen.