THE LORD KNOWETH HOW by J. E. Evans

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Mar 22, 1899

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 25, No. 12.

"THE LORD KNOWETH HOW."

By J. E. Evans

THAT which stands most in the way of success in any undertaking in the sphere of human endeavor is our lack of knowledge; we are not always acquainted with the principles which underlie and the methods that insure success. The measure of our success in life is the measure of our knowledge of right principles, and the faithfulness with which we employ correct methods. While mistakes indicate a lack of wisdom, yet he who is willing to acknowledge error is more likely to see it when it exists in himself, and this readiness makes manifest His love for the ways of wisdom.

Man knows nothing only as he is connected with the Source of true wisdom. "It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps" (Jer. 10:23), and, "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death" (Prov. 14:12). "For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God." 1 Cor. 3:19. This is all true since man has been separated from God by sin. "But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ." Eph. 2:13. And to all men "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." Prov. 9:10. To those who fear Him "the Lord giveth wisdom: out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous." Prov. 2:6, 7.

The more difficult the undertaking the greater the necessity for definite knowledge. Where final and eternal interests are at stake, experiments are dangerous; and every one who places the proper value upon the objects sought will be anxious to acquaint himself with a perfect guide, that he may be unerringly led to success. "Acquaint now thyself with Him, and be at peace; thereby good shall come unto thee." Job 22:21. "Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches; but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am the Lord which exercise loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth; for in these things I delight, saith the Lord." Jer. 9:23, 24.

God alone is able to exercise righteousness and judgment upon the motives and acts of men, for "He knoweth our frame," and the testimony concerning Him when on earth is, "He knew all men, and needed not that any should testify of man; for He knew what was in man." John 2:24, 25. Perfect knowledge and perfect power insure successful operation; so He who made all things is perfectly acquainted with the nature and needs of all His works, "and upholding all things by the word of His power" (Heb. 1:3), can keep all in their places, so that "not one faileth." Should I not confidently trust this wisdom and power to succeed in me, and make me successful? This knowledge is so complete that we can say: "O Lord, Thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, Thou understandest my thought afar off." Ps. 139:1, 2.

Not only are we so well known to God, "but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do." Heb. 4:13. That God has the power, and knows how to do anything, we are ready to admit; but that we do not know how, and have no power, we are slow to accept; but the Word remains unchanged. "Ye can not do the things that ye would" (Gal. 5:17), and "without Me ye can do nothing." John 15:5.

Perhaps no one is troubled more over the question, "How?" than the poor sinner who, feeling his own weakness, and the power of sin, has sought an answer to the question, "Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" Are you, dear reader, at this point? Listen: "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." 1 Cor. 10:13. "The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations." 2 Peter 2:9. "Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost." Heb. 7:25. Read also Ps. 34:7; Isa. 41:10.

That all who would might, beyond a single doubt, be helped upon this point, "God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh." Rom. 8:3. This was in flesh and blood like ours except that it "did no sin." 1 Peter 2:22. Being "in all points tempted like as we are," (Heb. 4:15), "He is able to succor them that are tempted" (2:18). This was a demonstration of what God can do in human flesh when it is surrendered to Him. The record of this trusting, sinless life is before us in the Scriptures of truth, which testify of Him; and he who would realize the same deliverance from sin, need only to acquaint himself with that life. Rom. 5:10. When we trustingly give the work over to divine power, directed and applied by divine wisdom, there can be no failure, and need be no anxiety.

Why should thy aching, longing heart Such doubts and fears retain, Since Christ, our risen Lord, doth know The frailty of thy frame. Come, "cast thy burden on the Lord;" He will thy cause defend, And to the humblest prayer of faith A listening ear will lend. And should the powers of sin press near, To cause thy faith to fail, "Consider Him" who trod this way, And in His strength prevail. O wondrous love, that I should be A subject of His care; Through all my life, in all to know His mighty arm made bare! J. E. EVANS. Phoenix, Arizona.