Do You Doubt the Character of God?

I wanted to honeymoon there 22 years ago, but it wasn’t feasible. Now we were finally on our way to Banff.

And it was socked in.

That’s Montana talk for mountains covered in clouds. Fog touching the windshield. For two hours we drove and tried to enjoy what little scenery we could make out. Matt would top over a hill and say, Oh, I bet that’s really beautiful out there when you can see it.

We were making the most of it, and he assured me all these clouds were going to burn away later in the day.

I prayed, Lord, just a glimpse? Could you give us just a glimpse of the majesty of Banff when we get there? You are the cloud mover.

We stopped at a scenic pull out, and I snapped this picture:

Behind those clouds were peaks reaching to the heavens. I knew one of the most breathtaking views in the world was spread out in front of me.

“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord…” (Psalm 27:13 NIV)

All the goodness of God is there.

It. Is. There.

But sometimes these clouds settle heavy and dark between our eyes and that goodness. It is then that we must believe and worship and be thankful.

Thank you, Lord, for the beauty of Banff National Park, even if I don’t get to see it this day.

“Now faith is being…certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.” (Hebrews 11:1-2 NIV)

What we long for more than anything else is approval, commendation, to know God is pleased with us. Commendation goes to those who respond to cloud cover with faith.

Matt drove on, mile after mile of not seeing, only the hope of sunshine later.

Please, Lord. Just one glimpse of the glory today. But if not, I thank you for the company of this man and a vacation day and the beauty you have created, though I cannot see it.

Matt was right. Eventually the sun did its work, and I was able to turn 360 to see the glory around me.

Sometimes clear vision is a long time coming.

We must be sure in our knowledge of the character of God and keep faith in the fog.