“It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.” – Proverbs 25:2
Today’s post may be more interesting to the technically oriented among us. It is one of my favorite experiences to share though, because of the unexpected hidden detail involved, illustrating God’s foresight. It is a fun one for this time of the year.
After the big freeze hit our city a few years ago and we were left without power and water (most of the time) for three days, I looked into a backup power generator for our home. Off-course the Lord arranged for a solar system salesman to approach me in the hardware store. I was there for something unrelated and didn’t intend to buy an expensive solar system. That was the trigger for me however, with my electrical engineer hat on, to build my own mobile backup solar system.
The very first modular system component that I ordered arrived, labeled version number 1.47. Such a thoughtful encouragement by the Lord. (See Infinite God II)
I enjoyed completing this system engaging with the Lord for His input at each stage. A few months ago, the dreaded electronic smoke smell filled the system cabinet. I checked the system and found that the aforementioned module were not functioning as it should. It relayed no power, even though it was on. I had to choose. Pry it open (not an easy task) and see if I could repair it, or get a new module.
I decided that I had nothing to loose and opened up the module. After some trouble shooting and physical inspection, I found a faulty part. A power transistor.
This component was clearly part of the problem, but not necessarily the only problem. I took a moment to ponder the situation. In the meantime I searched for the faulty transistor on the internet. I found and studied the datasheet. The number TO-247 was printed in large font at the top of the page. This was the package number for the transistor.
“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” – Psalm 37:23
Now with God involved I was confident that I would be able to fix the module, assuming no other components or circuitry were damaged (required some faith). I did fix the module and it means even more to me now than before. What are the odds that the Lord prompts me to build a solar system, the first module that I purchase is version 1.47 and then years later a component fails with package number TO-247 and I am able to fix it. (uncommon these days)
God, living outside of our time domain knows every decision we will make and every situation we will find ourselves in. Yet He interacts with us in our time-frame, to allow us to make our own decisions, get to know the Almighty and work with Him. He places “gems” for us to find, if we choose to seek them out. I could have trashed that electronic module because it didn’t seem salvageable. But God.
“The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever…” – Deuteronomy 29:29
I worked with many smart technical people on very large and complicated systems who deny the existence of God. People who very well know that complicated systems requires and detailed design, that needs to be assembled exactly as intended to function. One can not just dump a bunch of components in a box and shake it for a million years and hope it will turn into a functioning system fulfilling a purpose. Even a simple wifi system at home needs to be connected as per design. It won’t assemble itself no matter how long you leave it on the carpet.
Purpose comes before design. Intelligence is required to make it all work. A vast universe and millions of creatures and plants on earth didn’t just happen.
I believe many people do actually realize this, but are unwilling to acknowledge this fact. God is not an entity to be feared but to engage with in awe. To accomplish this, we need to be in the right relationship with God. This relationship requires us to acknowledge our sin and obtain forgiveness from God. Fortunately for us, God planned this out from the beginning and sent His Son, Jesus Christ to take our punishment and pay the price so we can be set free.
As we celebrate this Christmas, I urge you to seek Jesus.
My journey have now spanned decades. If you would like to read more about it, see my other blog posts or read Ever Present Communicator: Engaging with a Dynamic God first published in 2014.
Also see the related Infinite God I and Infinite God II blogs.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!