1 Corinthians 2:9

"What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him." 

During college, this was my theme verse. I even had it made into a vinyl quote for my wall. These words speak to the unknown, the new, the unfolding that is college. This verse thrilled me. NO TELLING what God was going to do next. I was sure it would be good.

One evening, I was visiting with a friend at Starbucks and we were discussing this very verse. A man (who happened to be a pastor) overheard our conversation.

"Do you know the next verse, though?" He asked us. "It completes verse 9."

Surprised anyone was listening, we stammered out some response. It was a long time ago and unfortunately I don't really remember what was said. But He smiled kindly and left soon after that.

Fast forward several years to today and I now have a teensy bit more understanding how verses 9 and 10 work together.

“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”— these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.

See, the unknown and the unfolding are a little less thrilling than they were 5 years ago, because now I realize even more that tragedies can be the next thing around a corner, rather than a triumph. Sometimes what unfolds isn't in our plans. The "not knowing" has lost a little appeal.

But in verse 10, God is promising that he can bring understanding to our spirits through His spirit. Understanding that I need and crave at every twist and turn in the path.

While I still haven't opened my Bible to find a 5-year, or even a 1-year plan yet (I'll let you know if I do), I understand a bit more than a few years ago the beauty of when God reveals things to our spirits.

So to the eavesdropping pastor out there somewhere: you were right. Verses 9 and 10 go hand-in-hand.

10 Things God Will (Most Likely) Never Say

I don’t know about you, but I love making lists of my favorite things.  Top 10 Books, Favorite Foods, Top Dream Vacations, 10 Random Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Me; you name it, I have probably made a list for it.

It’s human nature to list things; it’s one way we can define ourselves and put parameters around our lives. Lists are tangible.

Our desire for the tangible can get us in trouble when we relate to God.  God does not think how we think, nor does he approach schedules and situations (if He even calls them that) how we, our family, or our friends approach them. 

Here is a list of phrases that though we may say them all the time, we will never ever hear God say:

1. “Oops!”
2. “Wait…what?”
3. “Wait…who?”
4.  “Oh, crap!”
5. “Well, that was stupid of me.”
6. “I guess I forgot…”
7. “If at first I don’t succeed…”
8. “My alarm didn’t go off…I guess.”
9. “I just didn’t have time.”
10. “You just don’t understand MY schedule and MY life right now!”

Let’s praise God that he won’t ever say those things!  He is perfect, He never forgets, and He is on top of things. 

Isaiah 50:2 says, “Was my arm too short to ransom you? Do I lack the strength to rescue you? By a mere rebuke I dry up the sea.”

Backing up one chapter, Isaiah 49:15-16 says, “Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.”

Let's face it: we sometimes have Dori-like memories when it comes to how God works in our lives. We're human and mistakes ARE going to be made. However, we must daily (maybe even hourly?) remind ourselves that though we may have our problems with excuses, forgetfulness, and mistakes, God doesn't, and He has promised that His grace is sufficient to cover our weaknesses. Isn’t it cool to have a friend like that?

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and FORGET NOT all his benefits."

Psalm 103:2