Have you ever wondered why sometimes life just doesn’t add up, no matter how hard you try to make sense of it? Picture this: you’re sitting in Lagos traffic, horn blaring all around, thinking about how God sometimes seems to move in confusing ways—almost like He’s speaking in riddles nobody can easily decode. Ever felt that way? You’re not alone, my friend. In fact, the mystery of God’s ways has sparked deep conversations inside churches, marketplaces, and even among danfo passengers hustling along Ikorodu Road.
Our love must be upgraded to the greater love of God.
Unlocking the Mysteries: Why Doesn’t God Always Make Sense?
It’s explosive to realise that, contrary to popular belief, God doesn’t always intend for everyone to instantly understand His words or plans. This isn’t just one of those “Naija gist”—it’s actually deeply rooted in the Bible.
According to the gospel of Matthew 13:10-11, Jesus’s disciples once cornered Him, asking why He spoke in parables instead of giving clear, direct explanations. His reply? Only a chosen few were meant to grasp the hidden treasures of the kingdom. For the rest, the parables remained mysterious, almost like an inside story among close friends.
Why would the Creator of the universe make things so cryptic? According to Proverbs 23:4, we’re advised: “Because of your own understanding, cease!” meaning, sometimes we need to leave aside our own calculations and simply trust. It’s not about knowing all the answers, but learning to trust even when things don’t add up—like surviving during fuel scarcity or facing NEPA’s unpredictable power cuts (the struggle is real!).
Choosing Faith Over Understanding: The Naija Way
Let’s break it down with a local twist. You know that typical Naija mother who tells you to fetch water from the well during rainy season—meanwhile, there’s water pouring from the sky? She’s got bigger plans, perhaps to fill the drum for the dry season. Just because you don’t understand, doesn’t mean there’s no purpose.
Similarly, Proverbs 3:5 urges us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” It’s a tall order, especially when things turn upside-down in life. God’s focus, reportedly, is not on our intelligence or logic, but on whether we’re willing to obey—especially when things don’t seem to make sense.
- Obedience trumps everything: “To obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22)
- Those who obey become his special treasure (Exodus 19:5)
Take the famous wedding at Cana—imagine you’re among the cooks, and Jesus calmly tells you to fill wine pots with water. E shock you? The head chef must have thought, “Oga, na water we need?” But Mary, ever wise, told the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” That leap of faith led to the first-ever Nigerian-style “owambe” miracle—water became wine, and the party continued!
The Power of Things We Do Not Understand
Sounds a bit paradoxical, doesn’t it? But according to local faith leaders, embracing the unknown draws us closer to true spiritual depth. The Bible teaches in Job 32:8: “There is a spirit in man, and the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding.” So even if your head no fit carry the matter sometimes, God can open your mind in unexpected moments—sometimes while praying, other times during those quiet times alone.
David the psalmist also got it: “The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple” (Psalm 119:30). For those eager enough to keep asking—like King Solomon, who reportedly requested “an understanding heart” above riches—God goes beyond and pours out both wisdom and grace.
No Loss, No Gain: The Unprecedented Law of Spiritual Trade-Off
Let’s get real for a second—you can’t collect something new if you never drop the old. In God’s economy, the principle stands: no loss, no gain. Like giving up that old, rickety “keke” (tricycle) to get a newer, even if modest, model—you must be willing to let go of the past to claim the future.
Jesus reveals a shocking truth: “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10) However, He also warns that to receive this new life, you have to be ready to let go of your former life (John 12:25). Holding tightly to the past? You might miss God’s best for you.
- Let go of counterfeit love to receive genuine grace
- Lose your attachment to material things to gain eternal rewards
- Even family loyalties sometimes test our higher calling to God (Luke 14:26)
In Nigeria, where family ties run deep and respect for elders is non-negotiable, this can be a hard pill to swallow. Biblical teachings remind us, however, that God’s love is to be the bedrock of all relationships. Apostle Paul famously charged, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.” (Ephesians 5:25)
Counterfeit Love vs. True Love: The Inside Story
Let’s face it: not every “I love you” is from the heart. In modern Nigerian society, we see it everywhere—politicians making promises, couples swearing undying love only to fall apart, friends becoming enemies overnight. The Bible has glaring examples: Amnon’s so-called love for Tamar turned to hate at the drop of a hat (2 Samuel 13:15), and even Peter, Jesus’s right-hand man, faltered under pressure.
John, another disciple, did not mince words: “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar” (1 John 4:20).
It’s a challenge that cuts across all generations and locations—from Surulere to Sokoto, from Accra to Abuja. Counterfeit love is everywhere. But Jesus commands a higher standard: “Love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” (John 15:12-13)
Seeking Divine Understanding in Everyday Naija Life
So how do we navigate these mysteries in daily life? According to Lagos-based faith analyst, Pastor Adeyemi (2024), “We need less human pride and more willingness to listen, ask questions, and obey—even when the process looks senseless.” He notes how many young people today are wrestling with faith and trust issues—fueled by economic challenges, generational shifts, and social media influences.
- Pray sincerely, like Solomon, for understanding and wisdom
- Test every “love” by how well it aligns with sacrifice and unconditional care
- Remember, even leaders and pastors are still learning on the journey
Nigerians know how to hustle, improvise, and carry hope—even when times are tough. Trusting God, then, becomes both a challenge and a choice: do we insist on full explanation before stepping out, or do we, like the servants at Cana, move in faith?
Conclusion: The Journey of Trust and Obedience
The greatest mysteries—spiritual and otherwise—don’t always have immediate solutions. Sometimes, God’s instructions or life’s twists will leave you scratching your head or even doubting. But like roadside mechanics say, “Na trial and error dey bring result” (it’s through trying and failing that solutions are found). The question remains: Are you willing to step out in faith, even when the path is foggy?
Share your perspective—how have you handled moments of deep spiritual confusion? Has there been a time when God’s instruction or plan didn’t make sense but paid off in the end? Let’s gist in the comments below. What’s your view? Drop a comment and follow us for more updates!
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