An audio tape of a sermon entitled “But God” by Jon Coursen was recently given to me. His theme throughout the tape was “I don’t know the answers to your problem, but I do know who does- God.” It may sound simplistic, but as I have listened over and over to this tape, I am convinced he is right.

Let me share with you some of his thoughts about how God intervened in the problems of people recorded in the Bible:

• Abraham (the patriarch) tried to pass off his wife, Sarah, as his sister- “But God” intervened and saved her. (Genesis 20:3)
• Jacob struggled with the negative and changing attitude of his father-in-law- “However God” intervened and did not allow him to harm Jacob. (Genesis 31:7)
• Jacob on his death bed assured Joseph that he (Jacob) would die- “But God” would be with him. (Genesis 48:21)
• Joseph realized that his brothers had intended harm for him- “But God” had intended it for good. (Genesis 50:19-20)
• Samson, after a difficult battle was feeling tired and discoursed, in need of refreshment. He felt as though he would die of thirst- “Then God” brought forth water to refresh him. (Judges 15:15-20)
• David was being hunted like a criminal by King Saul- “but God” intervened to protect him. (I Samuel 23:13-14)

Time after time in scripture, we see evidence of difficult circumstances, problems and dilemmas. Yet with each of these, we see men and women of faith who said “but God” was there. Maybe you, like me, are in one of those situations in life where you cannot figure out what good can come of it. I don’t know what the answer to your problem is, but I know who has the answer! In the midst of trails and difficulties, there is hope. The advice that people give may have some merit, but listening to God, waiting for the unfolding of His plan, is always of value. In your rush to fix problems, don’t do what I often do…..forget to listen to God.

“For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11