The Underside of the Tapestry

For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” Romans 9:15

The fairness of God is often debated and the question, “why does God allow……??”, is continually asked. Even though we know it is not our place to cast judgement, we can’t help what we think or feel. The words ‘why Lord?’ flow quickly and easily but are we eligible to ask that question? Does clay protest to the potter?

For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him? 1 Corinthians 2:16

Sometimes, we feel entitled to an explanation, especially during those times when it is hard coming to terms with a situation. We want to understand and we do our best to try and discern God’s thinking. But how do you discern divine authority and sovereign justice?

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9

We will never have the answers to all of our ‘whys’ for we only have access to the underside of the tapestry, but we can rest in the knowledge and certainty that God’s love for us is genuine and true. His view of our circumstances comes from a totally different perspective – a perspective that is expressed in a well-known poem by a not-so-well-known minister, composer and hymn writer, Grant Tullar.

My life is but a weaving between my God and me.
I cannot choose the colours He weaveth steadily.
Oft’ times He weaveth sorrow; and I in foolish pride,
Forget He sees the upper, and I the underside.
Not ‘til the loom is silent and the shuttles cease to fly,
Will God unroll the canvas and reveal the reason why.
The dark threads are as needful in the weaver’s skillful hand,
As the threads of gold and silver in the pattern He has planned.
He knows, He loves, He cares; nothing this truth can dim.
He gives the very best to those who leave the choice to Him.

More often than not, God’s ways will be far beyond our understanding, but if we have put our trust in Him, then even with our questions, we can trust Him without doubt.