I want to know what God is doing! (Don’t you?)

Published by helloredds@gmail.com on

Often, I want to know what God is doing, don't you? There are times when we don't understand God & what He up to in our lives. What is He up to? Why is He allowing these things to happen? That’s what we are talking about in this post. Find hope in today's article when you drop by for a visit. #hope #whereisGod #whatisGoddoing #encouragement
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My grandmother was an amazing seamstress.

Anything with a needle and thread, she could whip into a masterpiece.

She did counted-cross stitch, and she crocheted. Every piece she created was beautiful, intricate in detail, and quite fantastic.

As a child, I tried to follow in her footsteps.


First, we tried sewing with a pattern.

Then, we moved to knitting, cross-stitching, and crocheting. Whether it was my lack of patience or lack of skill, I don’t know. But, I could never really master her sewing skills.

Finally, we discovered something I could do – hook rugs.

Maybe you’ll remember these?

There was a hook that you held in your hand, thousands of short pieces of colored yarn, and a large piece of plastic with a picture stamped on the back.

To complete a hooked rug, all you had to do was hook the yarn onto the correct section of the colored plastic. You just followed the picture. (I must say that I was quite awesome at this “skill!”)


Looking back on those days, I also remember something interesting about the hook rugs

From the front of the plastic, you could not see the picture that you were creating. It was just white plastic with pieces of yarn hooked to it.

To get the whole picture, you had to flip the plastic over.

The real “pattern” was on the backside of the plastic, only visible to the one who was creating it.


In recent days, I’ve thought about how our lives are a lot like those hook rugs.

We can only see the front of the plastic of our lives.

Some pieces of yarn are sticking out, but we have no idea what the finished picture will look like (or even what it’s supposed to be.)

Only Almighty God knows and can see the whole picture for our lives!

He has a pattern and a plan, and He is very slowly and methodically creating our masterpiece.

Some days, this is very hard.


Help! I want to know what God is doing!


Furthermore, I want to see the picture on the back of the plastic.

I want to know what God is doing!

  • Why did He allow this or that?
  • What is going on?
  • Why is this happening?
  • What on earth is God up to?
  • Why did He do this instead of that?

Maybe you’ve also wondered some of these same things.

I think we all reach points in our lives when we wonder what is going on!

What is God doing?

What is He up to?

On those days and in those moments when we don’t understand, what can we do?


How should we respond when God and His ways make NO SENSE at all? Click To Tweet


There is no magic formula here.

There is no list of steps we can take so that we will understand.

However, I do believe there are some promises from Scripture that we can cling to when life gets confusing.

We can hold fast to these truths when life is confusing.

However, I do believe there are some promises from Scripture that we can cling to when life gets confusing.

We can hold fast to these truths when life is confusing.


Often, I want to know what God is doing, don't you? There are times when we don't understand God & what He up to in our lives. What is He up to? Why is He allowing these things to happen? That’s what we are talking about in this post. Find hope in today's article when you drop by for a visit. #hope #whereisGod #whatisGoddoing #encoruagement


Here are 5 Biblical Promises I cling to when God doesn’t make sense:


First, Remember God doesn’t THINK like us.

Sometimes, we try to understand what God is doing and what He is thinking.

It’s never going to happen! He’s God!

We aren’t!

His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are greater than our thoughts.

He’s not held back by sin or by any baggage, dysfunction, or prejudice.

God is completely holy.

He is perfect.

He is in control of all things – including our lives!


Our God is all-wise and all-knowing. Sometimes we just have to trust that He knows best! Click To Tweet


Isaiah 55:8-9 is the text I go to when I’m doubting God’s wisdom,

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.   

“And my ways are FAR BEYOND ANYTHING YOU COULD IMAGINE.

For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so my ways are higher than your ways
    and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”


Often, I want to know what God is doing, don't you? There are times when we don't understand God & what He up to in our lives. What is He up to? Why is He allowing these things to happen? That’s what we are talking about in this post. Find hope in today's article when you drop by for a visit. #hope #whereisGod #whatisGoddoing #encoruagement


Second, Remember He is God; we are not.

Oh, what a relief this one is! God is God; we are not.

Truly, He can handle the cares of this world, the cares of people, and the cares of our lives.


He is not limited by anything. He is God! Click To Tweet


When I question God and His ways, I often have to park myself in Isaiah 40.

Here is just a sampling: (verses 12-14, 18, 22)

“Who else has held the oceans in his hand?
    And, Who has measured off the heavens with his fingers?

Who else knows the weight of the earth or has weighed the mountains and hills on a scale?
Who can advise the Spirit of the Lord?
    And, who knows enough to give him advice or teach him?
 Has the Lord ever needed anyone’s advice?
    Does he need instruction about what is good?

To whom can you compare God?
    What image can you find to resemble him?

God sits above the circle of the earth.
    The people below seem like grasshoppers to him!”


Often, I want to know what God is doing, don't you? There are times when we don't understand God & what He up to in our lives. What is He up to? Why is He allowing these things to happen? That’s what we are talking about in this post. Find hope in today's article when you drop by for a visit. #hope #whereisGod #whatisGoddoing #encoruagement


Third, Remember God always does what is BEST for us.

God always does what is best for us.

Always!

Every single time!

And, He can coordinate my best with your best.

He is wise enough to do what is best for every living soul on this planet!

I don’t have to send Him instructions.

I don’t have to try to micromanage God.

He is entirely able to manage it all by Himself!


Our God is intricately involved in the details of my life and of yours. Click To Tweet


My favorite promise on this subject comes from Jeremiah 29:11,

FOR I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU,” says the Lord.

“They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and hope.”


Often, I want to know what God is doing, don't you? There are times when we don't understand God & what He up to in our lives. What is He up to? Why is He allowing these things to happen? That’s what we are talking about in this post. Find hope in today's article when you drop by for a visit. #hope #whereisGod #whatisGoddoing #encoruagement


Fourth, Remember God is FOR us.

One of my sweet mentors taught me this truth! Regularly she would say to me, “Melanie, remember, God is FOR you.”

So, when I would walk into uncomfortable situations, I would remind myself, “The Lord is FOR me!”

You can do the same thing!

As you are walking through life’s challenges and difficulties, remind yourself, “The Lord is FOR me!”


As you are walking through life's challenges and difficulties, remind yourself, The Lord is FOR me! Click To Tweet


Where do I get this truth?

Check out Psalm 118:6,

THE LORD IS FOR ME, so I will have no fear.
  What can mere people do to me?”



Fifth, Remember God NEVER leaves us alone. He never forsakes us.

Oh, I love this promise from the Bible!

He is with us!

The Lord will never leave us or forsake us!

We can take this promise to the bank – no matter what is happening around us.

No matter who is leading our country.

No matter what is going on in your family

And, no matter what is happening with your health.

No matter how low your bank account goes.

Also, no matter what is happening at your church or your job.


No matter how maddening things get... God is always, always, always with us. Click To Tweet


You can find this promise throughout scripture.

I chose to highlight Isaiah 41:10,

“Don’t be afraid, FOR I AM WITH YOU.
    Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
    I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”


Often, I want to know what God is doing, don't you? There are times when we don't understand God & what He up to in our lives. What is He up to? Why is He allowing these things to happen? That’s what we are talking about in this post. Find hope in today's article when you drop by for a visit. #hope #whereisGod #whatisGoddoing #encoruagement


Additionally, I love this poem that I found many years ago

I asked for strength and God gave me difficulties to make me strong.
Then, I asked for wisdom and God gave me problems to solve.
When I asked for prosperity God gave me the brawn and brains to work.
I asked for courage and God gave me dangers to overcome.
I asked for patience and God placed me in situations where I was forced to wait.
As I asked for love God gave me troubled people to help.
I asked for favors and God gave me opportunities.
I asked for everything so I could enjoy life.
Instead, He gave me life so I could enjoy everything.
I received nothing I wanted, I received everything I needed.

(Author Unknown)



And, the words to this song always remind me to keep trusting God – even when I don’t understand.

All things work for our good
Though sometimes we can’t
See how they could
Struggles that break our hearts in two
Sometimes blinds us to the truth

Our Father knows what’s best for us
His ways are not our own
So when your pathway grows dim
And you just can’t see Him,
Remember you’re never alone

God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
So when you don’t understand
When don’t see His plan
When you can’t trace His hand
Trust His Heart

God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
So when you don’t understand
When don’t see His plan
And, when you can’t trace His hand
Trust His Heart

He sees the master plan
He holds the future in His hand,
So don’t live as those who have no hope,
All our hope is found in Him.

We see the present clearly
But He sees the first and last
And like a tapestry, He’s weaving you and me,
To someday be just like Him

God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
So when you don’t understand
When don’t see His plan
And, when you can’t trace His hand
Trust His Heart

He alone is faithful and true
He alone knows what is best for you

God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
So when you don’t understand
When don’t see His plan
When you can’t trace His hand
Trust His Heart

when you don’t understand
When you don’t see His plan

And, when you can’t trace His hand
Trust His Heart

(Song by Babbie Mason)



So, what do you think?

Where do you turn when God doesn’t make sense?

Which promises are your “go-to” verses?

How can I pray for you today?

I always enjoy hearing from you!



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helloredds@gmail.com

Best-Selling Author | Speaker | Blogger| Podcaster | When the world is falling apart, we can ALWAYS trust in God’s goodness!

50 Comments

Nettie Reese · 10/03/2023 at 5:24 AM

Thank you for sharing such profound insights and offering solace through scripture and personal reflection.

    helloredds@gmail.com · 10/04/2023 at 9:36 AM

    Amen Nettie!
    Praying that God will give you such sweet peace in your life today!
    Blessings,
    Melanie

Paula Short · 11/30/2022 at 7:47 PM

What a timely message. These are wonderful reminders I’m honored to be a daughter of our good good Father. Pausing to reflect on your words today.

    helloredds@gmail.com · 12/03/2022 at 10:28 AM

    Thank you, Paula!
    Praying that you will be sweetly encouraged today!
    Blessings to you,
    Melanie

Linda Neely · 11/23/2022 at 3:16 PM

This is such a timely post! Thank you so much for the reminder that God is God (& he’s really great at being God). Definitely saving this & passing it along to friends whom I know can use an encouraging word. Happy Thanksgiving to you & your family.

    helloredds@gmail.com · 11/28/2022 at 1:00 PM

    Amen, Linda!
    Thank you so much for stopping by and for leaving such a kind comment!
    Sure do appreciate you!
    Blessings to you today~
    Melanie

Betty Monda · 05/29/2022 at 6:53 AM

Thank you for the reminders. I know this in my head but sometimes it’s hard to get it to my heart. God has brought me through so many difficult times and medical problems and I will forever praise Him for He deserves our praises.

    helloredds@gmail.com · 05/29/2022 at 1:11 PM

    Amen, Betty!
    God adores you and is with you!
    He will never leave you or forsake you.
    Praying that you will be encouraged today~
    Melanie

Bobbie Melvin · 12/26/2021 at 9:30 AM

Oh my God I need that message it really changed my way of thinking an this message really gave me hope everything is working together for my good God knows what he’s doing an do not fear he is with me an he will never leave me or forsake me I really needed this word this word gave me peace in my spirit…Thank u so much Mrs. MELANIE REED God Bless U Always send the right message at the right time I know God is speaking thru …

    helloredds@gmail.com · 12/28/2021 at 9:41 AM

    Amen, Bobbie!
    Praying that God will flood your heart with peace today.
    He will never, never, never leave us or forsake us!
    Blessings,
    Melanie

Sharon Lockhart · 08/06/2020 at 5:09 PM

Your story about the rug making reminded me of my mother. She started a Pom Pom rug during WWII. When she died and I was cleaning out her house, there was the rug unfinished at the same place it was when I was in elementary school. I never got the chance to ask her why she didn’t finish it but thank you for reminding me about this situation with her.

    helloredds@gmail.com · 08/07/2020 at 11:11 AM

    Hey Sharon,
    Sounds like an interesting story with your mom and the rug. It’s crazy that she never finished it!
    And, I’m so glad that this post brought back a good memory of your mom. Sounds like an amazing woman.
    Appreciate your stopping by and leaving a comment.
    Blessings,
    Melanie

Diana | Diana's Diaries · 05/18/2020 at 3:24 PM

Thank you for sharing such great wisdom filled with encouragements.

God truly knows what HE is doing!!!

lots of love

Beth · 05/18/2020 at 10:52 AM

These are truths about God and His character that certainly inspire and encourage us, Melanie! They are just what I need to remember and cling to today! And as far as your grandmother’s sewing ability, I can relate. My mother and sister were top-notch seamstresses, but me, not so much! Lol! I never tried making a rug, though I remember that craze and was intrigued by it. Thanks for this shot of encouragement, my friend! You always know how to bring God’s joy into the equation!

    helloredds@gmail.com · 05/22/2020 at 10:50 AM

    Amen, Beth!
    I’m so thankful for His character!
    I’m glad you could relate to me on the “inability” to sew well! At least we tried!
    Hope you have a wonderful day!
    Sure am blessed by you~
    Melanie

NAnn · 05/18/2020 at 8:52 AM

Something I learned years ago that always stuck with me is this: All things work together for good. But what is good? Jesus clarified that no one is good but the Father. All have sinned. So what is good for us? Jesus. So all things work together to transform us into His image! That changes the understanding a bit, right? But, I believe, the poem you referenced describes this perfectly.

    helloredds@gmail.com · 05/22/2020 at 10:49 AM

    Such a great perspective!
    Yes.
    He knows what He is doing.
    We can trust Him! Amen.
    Blessings to you today,
    Melanie

Brittany · 05/17/2020 at 7:33 AM

Beautiful Melanie! A great way to start my new week with this reminder of the attributes of God, knowing that He sees it all, care about it all, is in control of it all and is working FOR me in it all.

    helloredds@gmail.com · 05/22/2020 at 10:48 AM

    Amen, Brittany!
    He does see it all and deeply cares for you and me!
    He is for us!
    Yes!
    Blessings,
    Melanie

Heather Jeffery · 02/22/2020 at 4:21 PM

I love the comparison to the hook rug! Great insight.

    helloredds@gmail.com · 02/25/2020 at 8:48 AM

    Thank you, Heather!
    Sure do appreciate you reading and leaving a comment!
    Hope you have a blessed day~
    Melanie

Donna · 07/10/2018 at 1:03 AM

Beautiful truths Melanie, Thank you for sharing!

Lucy · 03/30/2018 at 9:14 PM

Hi Melanie:
I am so blessed to have found you through Pinterest. Thank you for your article and the song. They have encouraged me tremendously. Just what I need to hear today as I move forward in a decision that I have been praying for awhile.

“So when your pathway grows dim
And you just can’t see Him,
Remember you’re never alone

God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
So when you don’t understand
When don’t see His plan
When you can’t trace His hand
Trust His Heart”

    helloredds@gmail.com · 03/31/2018 at 9:00 AM

    Hey Lucy,
    So glad you stopped by today.
    You bless me with your kind words.
    And, I do pray that God will give you such grace as you move forward with this decision!
    Melanie

sydell alford · 03/25/2018 at 4:13 PM

I love this Melanie!! This encouragement will always remind me when I wonder.I needed this today too.God surely know what we need. I love the poem too it spoke to me reminding me to Trust Him, He has my back.Thank you Melanie your ministry and friendship is a gift to me.Blessings sweet friend!

    helloredds@gmail.com · 03/31/2018 at 8:58 AM

    Thank you, Sydell!
    So glad you were encouraged by reading today.
    I’m asking God to bless you and to fill your life with much joy.
    And, I’m thankful you for you and your friendship as well.
    Blessings on this Easter Weekend!
    Melanie

Cindy · 03/01/2018 at 12:44 AM

Hi Melanie. I’m not alone in wondering why God does what He does, whew!
When I’m faced with questions like these, the thing I rely on is that God has a plan and a purpose that I don’t yet see or understand. My job is to trust in Him no matter what.

Thanks for this post! Blessings to you. ❤

    helloredds@gmail.com · 03/04/2018 at 2:11 PM

    Amen, Cindy!
    God does have a plan.
    Oh, for the grace to trust Him more!
    Sure do appreciate you and your encouragement!
    Blessings,
    Melanie

Colleen · 03/09/2017 at 1:04 AM

This is just what I needed to read today.
I was looking for verses for others and then I logged onto this page and thank you, it’s exactly what I needed today. I should not question what God does or doesn’t do, I should just make sure He is in control of my life.

    helloredds@gmail.com · 03/13/2017 at 8:50 AM

    Amen, Colleen!

    I’m so glad to know that you were encouraged today.

    It’s easy to lose heart, but we don’t have to lose our hope or our faith. I love this verse from Luke where Jesus tells Peter that He is praying for his faith to remain strong. “But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail.” Luke 22:32.

    I will pray this verse for you today – that your faith may not fail but remain strong.

    So glad you stopped by today.
    Blessings to you,
    Melanie

Jane · 11/17/2016 at 10:36 PM

Found you on Pinterest. A young man we know a freshman at college, fell off his skateboard two weeks ago and has been in a medically induced coma since then due to a brain bleed. If you would, pray for him and his family. His parents have been at his bedside 300 miles from home and their other children. he has made progress in healing and tomorrow will be a big day, reduction of sedation and removal of ventilator. Praying for complete restoration of his health and brain function

    helloredds@gmail.com · 11/19/2016 at 10:16 AM

    Hey Jane,
    Thanks for stopping by from Pinterest to leave a comment today. I really appreciate you and your visit.
    I also appreciate you sharing this prayer request about this young freshman in college. I’m so sorry to hear about his injury. I will pray. Each time God brings him to mind, I will lift him up.
    Blessings to you and your family,
    Melanie

Shanna Mclelland · 11/07/2016 at 8:43 AM

I’m going to share this with my daughter. She is 20 years old & her boyfriend is 22. He has a very rare type of cancer & is a patient in St. Jude’s. We are Christians & we know that God has a plan, but it sure is hard to remember when you’re in the middle of a huge storm. Thanks for this message. Isaiah 41:10 is one of my favorite verses.

    helloredds@gmail.com · 11/09/2016 at 9:55 AM

    Hey Shanna,
    Thank you for stopping by today to leave a comment today. It’s so good to hear from you.
    I’m so sorry to hear about your daughter’s boyfriend and his cancer. St. Jude does amazing work. I pray that you will all be comforted, strengthened, and encouraged today. I also pray that God will heal this boy, if He wills. I’ll also pray for God to give your daughter hope and courage as she walks through these days.
    I love Isaiah 41:10. It’s one of my favorites as well.
    May God be near and sweet to you today as you walk through this storm.
    (Please drop by again and let me know how you all are doing~)
    Blessings,
    Melanie

Sarah | Happy + Healthy Taste Buds · 10/18/2016 at 10:09 AM

I don’t think I’ve ever heard a recording of that song before (just learned it from friends who sang it), but it is one of my favorite songs! Such sweet & encouraging lyrics… “God is too wise to be mistaken… too good to be unkind… trust His heart.” He is GOOD! 🙂

Thanks for the encouraging post!! 🙂

    helloredds@gmail.com · 10/20/2016 at 2:48 PM

    Hey Sarah,
    Thank you for stopping by today to leave a kind and encouraging word!
    It’s a great song with an incredible message – don’t you think?
    He is a good God!
    So nice to connect with you.
    Blessings,
    Melanie

Nina Lewis · 10/16/2016 at 9:37 PM

I am so glad that you linked this at our Party in Your PJs link party! This was exactly what I needed at this moment. Some of my challenges lately have not been fun. (Understatement of the year!) I am so grateful to be reminded that God is FOR us! Yes, yes, I know that intellectually. Sometimes, it’s just hard to ‘know’ with my heart. Thanks for your encouraging words.

    helloredds@gmail.com · 10/18/2016 at 8:10 AM

    Amen, Nina!
    I’m so glad to hear that God used these words to encourage you.
    And, it does seem like we all go through these seasons that challenge us to the core.
    God is for you!
    I pray He will inspire, uplift, and encourage you today!
    Blessings,
    Melanie

Amelia · 10/11/2016 at 4:27 PM

As usual this was SO GOOD. I had read the poem sometime ago, it was so good. We have to focus that no matter what God is with us.

    helloredds@gmail.com · 10/11/2016 at 4:50 PM

    Thank you, sweet friend!
    I’ve been missing you!
    And, I love that poem, don’t you!
    God is with us! Amen!

dawnklinge · 10/11/2016 at 8:42 AM

I was encouraged by the post! I love the poem that you shared. We don’t see the whole picture. God can be trusted. You’ve expressed that so beautifully here.

    helloredds@gmail.com · 10/11/2016 at 4:49 PM

    Thank you, Dawn!
    You bless and encourage me with your kind words today!
    Sure do love you~
    Melanie

Sarah Koontz (@sarahekoontz) · 10/11/2016 at 7:45 AM

I love this! God doesn’t think like us. That’s my take-away from this article. So simple, yet so profound.

    helloredds@gmail.com · 10/11/2016 at 4:48 PM

    Thank you, Sarah!
    And, that’s pretty much me in a sentence – mostly simple with a little dash of profound thrown in from time to time!
    Sure am blessed by you and by our amazing God!

Bella · 10/11/2016 at 7:39 AM

I just recently subscribed to your blog and found you on instagram! Thank you so much for all the encouragement and inspiration! Loved this blogpost!! God bless you ♡

    helloredds@gmail.com · 10/11/2016 at 4:47 PM

    Hey Bella,
    Welcome! I’m so glad you have joined us!
    You bless me with your kind words today!
    Thank you for connecting with me!
    I hope you have a wonderful evening~
    Blessings,
    Melanie

Lauren Gaskill · 10/11/2016 at 7:21 AM

You’re so right, my dear friend. There are no magic formulas. But these biblical truths and promises are definitely things we can stand firm on! Love you!

    helloredds@gmail.com · 10/11/2016 at 4:47 PM

    Oh, wouldn’t it be nice if there were some magic formulas!!
    Praying that the Truth will set us free and keep us free.
    Love you too~
    Melanie

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