“He hath made everything beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.”
(Ecclesiastes 3:11)
Life is intricately laced with both sunshine and shadows, seasons of blessing and dark nights of the soul. And though we groan under the weight of these divine dispensations of afflictions and calamities, in retrospect they can often be seen as blessings in disguise when we reflect upon them with discernment. Further, this variegated tapestry of life that is being continually woven by the Hand of Providence is purposefully creating designs essential for our sanctification.
In the midst of trials however, we often find ourselves wanting to critique such actions of Providence. But we possess neither the capacity nor the authority to scrutinize the Almighty. As Paul says in Romans 11:33, “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!” The Psalmist speaks of the mysterious nature of God’s ways, likening them to a path in the great waters whose footsteps are unknown (Psalm 77:19). And Abraham affirms, “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right!” (Genesis 18:25). So for us to challenge the workings of Infinite Wisdom is akin to a toddler passing judgment on the actions of a wise adult.
Further, just as a tapestry’s manifold beauty is not evident from its underside, and a painting’s allure requires the right light to fully shine, even the slightest understanding of the intricacies of God’s righteous providence requires knowledge of its purpose. Such reasons may never be known to us this side of heaven. But if we are privileged to get a glimpse of His divine design, we are humbly compelled to appreciate what we may have previously condemned.
In this context, John Cockburn observes that calamities and troubles are akin to fines and imprisonments necessary to maintain order in a commonwealth[1]. Just as the pruning of the gardener, though seemingly destructive, is essential for preventing overgrowth and enhancing the garden’s aesthetics and productivity, afflictions serve to refine our impurities and facilitate our spiritual growth. In fact, David acknowledged the benefits of affliction, stating, “It is good for me that I was afflicted,” (Psalm 119:71).
For these reasons, may we refrain from complaining about God’s current providence or bearing impatiently the trials He puts in our path, remembering that He has promised to make it all beautiful in His time.
Contemplations:
- Reflections on Righteousness: As I consider divine dispensations, I find comfort in knowing that the calamities I face are often instances of God’s goodness. The phrase “He hath made everything beautiful in his time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11) reminds me that every affliction has a purpose and will yield beauty in God’s grand design.
- The Mystery of Providence: I marvel at the mysteries of God’s ways, as described by the Psalmist and Apostle Paul. The idea that God’s path is in the sea and His judgments unsearchable (Psalm 77:19; Romans 11:33) compels me to contemplate the complexities and depths of divine wisdom.
- Purposeful Pruning: The analogy of a gardener pruning his trees leads me to reflect on how afflictions, like the gardener’s careful cuts, serve to enhance spiritual growth and maintain balance in life.
- Acknowledging and Seeking Grace: Hosea’s plea to return to the Lord and seek healing (Hosea 6:1) reminds me to humbly acknowledge my sins and weaknesses and shortsightedness and to pursue God’s grace in times of affliction and calamity.
Further References for Eccl. 3:11:
Eccl. 8:11; Rom. 11:33; Gen. 1:31; Job 11:7
[1] John Cockburn, Fifteen Sermons Preached upon Several Occasions, (London: J.L. for William Keblewhite .., 1697), 469.
