Evidence of His Love — withheld and given according to His Love

 

The dove could not find a resting place for its feet because water still covered the surface of the entire earth, and so it returned to Noah in the ark. He stretched out his hand, took the dove, and brought it back into the ark. He waited seven more days and then sent out the dove again from the ark. When the dove returned to him in the evening, there was a freshly plucked olive leaf in its beak! Noah knew that the waters had receded from the earth. — Gen 8:9-11 NET

by C.G. Trumbull

God knows just when to withhold from us any visible sign of encouragement, and when to grant us such a sign. How good it is that we may trust Him anyway! When all visible evidences that He is remembering us are withheld, that is best; He wants us to realize that His Word, His promise of remembrance, is more substantial and dependable than any evidence of our senses. When He sends the visible evidence, that is well also; we appreciate it all the more after we have trusted Him without it. Those who are readiest to trust God without other evidence than His Word always receive the greatest number of visible evidences of His love.

Selah.

It's so amazing to me, to think of the ways of God, and how He deals with His favored children. So often He removes supporting evidences of His infinite love and holy plan. At times He asks us to walk many days simply trusting -- trusting His heart when we cannot see or understand His hand. Or, to walk in faith, in silence, with the emotions of faith quieted, perhaps numbed in physical or spiritual pain. And yet, in all, full supply or lack of evidences, it is LOVE at work.

He's working out a masterpiece picture with our name on it. And everything He gives or withholds on that path is a holy good. He loves us too much to give us less than our spirit health requires. So trust! And walk on, in faith. The dove will return in proper time, and the waters will recede, kissed by the canopy of covenant sign, and future grace. Alleluia!