Bible Society of South Africa

The blessing of a closed door - 15 February 2024

By Benescke Janse van Rensburg

Bible text(s)

1 Corinthians 13

12What we see now is like a dim image in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. What I know now is only partial; then it will be complete — as complete as God's knowledge of me.

1 Corinthians 13:12GNBOpen in Bible reader

This morning, I ran into a woman whose son got married a month ago. Before the wedding, she had a seamstress make her a dress from purple-blue material, which she intended to wear for the ceremony. When I asked her how the wedding was, she shared how disappointed she was when the dress didn’t fit at all, a week before the wedding. She was forced to hastily borrow a dress from a friend for the occasion.

“But it was actually a blessing,” she continued. “When the bride’s mother walked up, I could not believe my eyes. Not only was she wearing the exact same purple-blue coloured dress, but the pattern of her dress was exactly the same as mine – the one I would have worn. God spared me the embarrassment of looking like twins at the wedding!”

When something doesn’t work out the way we hoped, it’s easy to get angry and even blame God. This, while he might be busy protecting us. In 1 Corinthians 13:12, we read: “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”

God is a good God. He knows the future, therefore he is able to protect us from things that we might not expect in the future. Instead of questioning him, let’s thank him that he is truly in control of every situation. God bless.

Prayer: Father God, thank you so much for never changing. Help me to keep my faith and trust in you during times when I do not understand. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

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