Do not keep talking so proudly
or let your mouth speak such arrogance,
for the LORD is a God who knows,
and by him deeds are weighed.
I Samuel 2:3 NIV
In English, “God knows” is often meant to mean that no one knows. But in Haitian Creole, “God knows” is an expression of confidence, much more like Hannah used it. I first heard it in language school here in Haiti, when we would meet new people. After the usual pleasantries that are used in any language, the conversation would go something like this:
Do you have a boyfriend?
This was confusing for two reasons: 1) I wear a wedding ring; and 2) I was standing with my husband, David.
No, I’m married.
Now they looked confused.
If you’re married, where are your children?
I don’t have any children.
Oh. I’ll pray for you. God knows.
It was always interesting to me that they would use the exact same expression Hannah used, especially in matters regarding children. And yet, we’ve found it to be true in so many more instances…
We were supposed to leave for Haiti in November 2009. At least, that’s what I kept telling the Lord. I wanted to be in Haiti by my birthday, December 2nd. I prayed and prayed and prayed about it until I’m sure God was tempted to say, “Yeah, yeah, I heard you.” I don’t think it’s dramatic to say that it was my heart’s desire.
But it didn’t happen. I couldn’t understand it. All I wanted was to serve God in Haiti, but our support wasn’t coming in fast enough. There was no good reason that I could see for God to “delay” us … and then on January 12th, 2010, a massive earthquake happened in Haiti. I don’t pretend to know where I would have been or what would have happened to me, but …
God knows.
Last Christmas was our first in Haiti. I wasn’t looking forward to it. Making cookies in 80 degree weather just necessitated use of the ceiling fans; it was not a cozy atmosphere. Music about falling snow taunted me rather than adding to a mood of good cheer. We had no Christmas tree and could only run our Christmas lights when we had city power. To top it all off, the families sent presents, but it looked like they might not get to us by Christmas.
But the day before Christmas Eve, a fellow MAFer drove down to the airport to get them for us, so they would make it in time. It was just what I needed.
God knows.
And in His knowing, we find out how much He cares … a lot!
What is something that has happened in your life where you now look back and realize that “God knew?”
Almost a year ago, my wife and I visited our son and his wife in Monmouth, OR. They had been trying to convince us to move closer to them, and they took us on a tour of the area, including Dallas.
We were smitten with Dallas and small town living. All the way home (about an hour and a half drive) we talked about the idea of moving to Dallas. It was a chance to live in a small town; the kids wanted us closer; we could be an influence in their lives; we aren’t getting any younger; it was now or never.
We listed our house. It sold in one day! We looked for a home in Dallas and couldn’t find one, but we found a building lot and a builder who would build us our dream house for the same amount we got for our previous home. We have an old motor home, so we had a place to live in the interim.
We found a church on the first try. Prior to moving to Dallas, we had been looking for a church for a year.
Now we are active in several ministries; we have a new granddaughter on the way; our kids are getting involved in church activities; we have a ton of new friends. We didn’t know for sure why we moved to Dallas. God knows!
Great story Christine . . . makes you stop . . . and think.
Our lives weren’t threatened, but my wife and I had a “God Knows” experience a year or so ago when she applied for Grad. school but didn’t get accepted . . . which is crazy because she’s brilliant.
1 week before her program would’ve started, we found out that the program was cut by the University at the last minute.
We were ready to quit our jobs. Move out of state. And spend most of our savings.
God knows!
Why is my comment “awaiting moderation” It does not need moderation!
Isn’t everything supposed to be done in moderation?
God also knows you will make a good flight scheduler…..even if you don’t.
I so enjoyed this blog…thanks Christine. A great reminder for us all … God INDEED Knows!!!
I am not sure how many characters this will allow so, just wanted to tell you that after reading this I wrote my own who knew story of what I thought would be just about mmy trip to Haiti…ended taking a little bit of a turn…who knew…God knows!