Mike Edmisten Follower of Jesus. Husband of Nicki. Father of Ryan & Brock. Communicator of the Word.

Later You Will Understand

Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” (John 13:7)

If you read the entire chapter of John 13, you'll see that this verse is in the context of Jesus washing the disciples feet. Something that absolutely blew their minds. Slaves were the ones who washed feet. Not teachers. Not leaders. Not Jesus.

And Jesus' answer to their objections was simple. “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

I can't think of a better way to describe how God works. At the time, it often makes no sense.

Why is this happening?

Why am I going through this?

Why did You allow this happen?

Why didn't You do what I prayed for You to do?

Why, God? Why?

Most of the time, the answer we receive is the same one that the disciples received. “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

When life doesn't make sense, we trust that understanding will come. It will take time. It won't be immediate. In extreme circumstances, the understanding may not come on this side of eternity. But it will come.

If you're in a tough season…a questioning season…a season that just makes no sense…hold onto this truth. You may not know what God is doing, but that doesn't mean that He is doing nothing. You may not understand His ways, but you can trust His love.

Charles Spurgeon said, "If I cannot trace His hand, I can always trust His heart."

You may have no idea why God is doing what He's doing, but His love for you is unwavering. And in His time, understanding will come.