If You Could Put Him in a Box, You’d Take Him for Granted.
Key Verse:
“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and how unfathomable and untraceable are His ways” (Romans 11:33, AMP).
Divine Thoughts:
Have you ever stood in awe of something so vast and overwhelming that it left you speechless? A sunrise over a mountain, the depth of the ocean, the intricate design of the universe, or the comfort of your newborn in your arms from the first time? Paul experienced this same awe—not for creation, but for the Creator Himself. After wrestling with God’s sovereignty, mercy, and justice in Romans 9-11, Paul breaks into a moment of worship, overwhelmed by God’s wisdom and knowledge. Romans 11:33 reminds us to stand in reverence and trust, even when we don’t fully understand God’s ways.
Incredible Findings:
1. The Depth of God’s Wisdom and Knowledge
Paul calls attention to the “depth” of God’s riches, wisdom, and knowledge. This is not a shallow understanding—it is vast, immeasurable, and infinite.
God’s wisdom is displayed in His plan of salvation: using Israel’s unbelief to bring Gentiles into His family, yet still promising to restore Israel (Romans 11:25-26).
Never Finished Application: When we face situations we can’t understand, let’s remember (not by ourselves! Ask for help from Him and others) that God’s wisdom is perfect. Trust that He sees the whole picture when we see only a fragment.
2. God’s Unsearchable Judgments
God’s judgments refer to His decisions and actions in history and in our lives. Paul marvels that these judgments are “unsearchable”—beyond human understanding.
The cross of Christ is the ultimate example. Who could have imagined that God would bring salvation through the suffering and death of His Son?
Never Finished Application: Instead of questioning God’s decisions, we can rest in the assurance that His judgments are always right and just (Psalm 19:9).
3. God’s Untraceable Ways
The paths God takes to accomplish His purposes often seem mysterious. His “ways” include the means He uses to fulfill His promises.
Think of Joseph’s story: God used betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment to Key Verse:“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and how unfathomable and untraceable are His ways” (Romans 11:33, AMP).
Never Finished Application: When God’s ways seem confusing or even painful, trust that He is working all things together for good (Romans 8:28).
Never Finished Challenge:
Respond with Worship: Like Paul, let the mystery of God’s greatness lead you to worship. When faced with what you cannot explain, praise Him for what you know to be true: His faithfulness, love, and wisdom. And if words cannot come out, let worship, nature, or others provide them for you. I’ve been there. Sometimes words are impossible to find!
Embrace Humility: Recognize that you don’t have to understand everything to trust God. Accept the limits of your perspective and rest in His infinite knowledge. If you could put Him in a box you’d take Him for granted.
Trust His Plan: Whether in personal trials or global events, believe that God’s ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). Pray for the zeal to trust Him more deeply. Your trust (faith) can grow as your questions and hurt stagger alongside. Your faith and hurt may live in the same house for a while but as God and others help you through your difficult seasons, the hurt gets the heal of your boot to get off your front porch.
What does today say about God?
God is not an accident; He is my purpose. He doesn’t dangle me like a puppet but has cut the strings, personally walking me through His will and giving me beyond what I could imagine. He is far beyond my earthly understanding and close enough that I feel nothing—not even death—can stop His Light from shining out of me… AND you! Thank you, Jesus!