Farther Along!

Christian Devotional by Pastor Cecil Thompson

1 Corinthians 13:11-12

“When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.””

Have you ever wondered about these so-called psychics who supposedly are able to foretell the future? I have often wondered, if they are so good at telling the future, why they are not able to profit from the stock market or other endeavors where foreknowledge would insure great gain.

Christians must stay far, far away from any sort of contact with the practice of divination or contacting the dead. Moses gave God’s command in Deuteronomy 18: 10-11; “Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead.”

What are we to do about the things that occur in our life that are impossible to understand—that we have no answers for? Is it possible for us to deal with loss and disappointment with confidence in the Lord?

I was listening to a Christian radio station Saturday and heard an old song that was sung by Tennessee Ernie Ford. I had not heard the song for years. It was the answer to how we are to deal with life’s unanswered questions. “Farther Along.”

Farther Along

Tempted and tried, we’re oft made to wonder,
why it should be thus all the day long;
while there are others living about us,
never molested, though in the wrong.

Refrain:
Farther along we’ll know more about it,
Farther along we’ll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We’ll understand it all by and by.

Sometimes I wonder why I must suffer,
go in the rain, the cold, and the snow,
when there are many living in comfort,
giving no heed to all I can do.

Tempted and tried, how often we
question why we must suffer year after year,
being accused by those of our loved ones,
e’en though we’ve walked in God’s holy fear.

Often when death has taken our loved ones,
leaving our home so lone and so drear,
then do we wonder why others prosper,
living so wicked year after year.

“Faithful till death,” saith our loving Master;
short is our time to labor and wait;
then will our toiling seem to be nothing,
when we shall pass the heavenly gate.

Soon we will see our dear, loving Savior,
Hear the last trumpet sound through the sky;
then we will meet those gone on before us,
then we shall know and understand why.”

Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing to others!

— Pastor Cecil