now and later

 John 13:7
   Anyone remember the candy "Now-n-Later"? I suppose the idea behind the name was to encourage you to enjoy some of the candy now, and the rest later. Yeah, that never worked with me, I am more of a "Good-n-Plenty" sort of guy.
        In our text, during the Passover meal, Jesus washed the disciples feet, teaching them a lesson in humility and service. When He came to wash Peter's feet, Peter questioned Jesus' action. Jesus replied that what He was doing at that particular time, Peter did not understand, but would understand at a later time.
    How many things occur in our lives that fit into this statement? Events that you have gone through, not understanding at the particular time, but came to and understanding later. Perhaps you are experiencing something 'now' that you just don't understand the reason. A debilitating sickness, financial reversals, relationship problems or other circumstances you just can't seem to get your mind around as to the reason 'why'?
     "...How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!" declares Romans 11:33 KJV There are things that the reasons thereof, God has reserved unto Himself only to be reveal in His time. We just have to trust and to wait. When we do not understand His ways, we must trust His heart.
     Years ago, when I left home to 'seek my fortune', I was all excited for what lay ahead in the great unknown future. My parents, especially my mother, did not seem to share my excitement. In my enthusiasm, I took little real notice, hopping into my car,  away I drove, leaving them waving good-bye from the driveway...with tears in their eyes.
        Some years later, my wife and I dropped off our first-born at college and drove away, this time with tears in our eyes...for hours. So deep was my heartache, that I called my mother and apologized for leaving home, telling her that at the time, I did not know how it made her feel. In her simple wisdom, she replied, "Son, at that time, you were not supposed to know how it felt, but now you do."
         Paul wrote in 1Cor. 13:12 "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face..." Now and later...and so it is with those things our loving Father would now withhold from us, that later, we might understand.
         Though we be tested by time, one day, we will understand.

      Charles A. Tindley wrote the hymn "We'll Understand It Better By and By" and so we shall!