Mr. Chump thinks he’s pretty smart.
He doesn’t need experts; he already knows what’s best.
He doesn’t need repairmen; he fixes things himself. Of course, many items turn out to be very poorly made, so parts don’t go back together the way they’re supposed to. Frequently he’s forced to replace such items. It never dawns on him how often that scenario occurs.
Mr. Chump also thinks he knows better than God.
“So many things in this world just don’t make sense,” he loudly complains to his neighbor. “For example, why did God create mosquitoes? And what’s up with the rain? Sometimes we get too much, and sometimes not enough. What would be wrong with a little balance? And why does winter have to be so cold?
“And look at this tall, strong oak tree here, with all of its tiny acorns,” Mr. Chump continues. “And then over there, on that puny, limp vine lying on the ground, huge, heavy pumpkins grow. It makes no sense.
“People talk about an all-wise God in control of the universe, but there are just too many inane situations in nature for me to believe in Intelligent Design, much less God.”
And then an acorn falls on his head. And his neighbor quietly remarks:
“What if that had been a pumpkin?”
Poor Mr. Chump. Little does he realize that:
“God is exalted in his power. Who is a teacher like him? Who has prescribed his ways for him, Or said to him, ‘You have done wrong?’ (Job 36:22-23).
Or…
“What a wonderful God we have! How great are his wisdom and knowledge and riches! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his methods! For who among us can know the mind of the Lord? Who knows enough to be his counselor and guide?…For everything comes from God alone. Everything lives by his power, and everything is for his glory. To him be glory evermore (Romans 11:33-36 TLB).
I begin to shake my head in pity for Mr. Chump, who doesn’t understand that God most certainly knows what he is doing.
Then I realize: there are times when I am no different from Mr. Chump. Oh, I may not complain that acorns should grow on vines and pumpkins on trees. But I allow negative thoughts to swirl around in my mind that sound an awful lot like complaining. Thoughts like…
…This situation is unbearable, Lord. When will you intervene?
…I don’t know why I keep hoping for such-and-such to happen. It would appear I’ve been working and waiting for nothing. Am I wasting my time, God?
…I’m frightened, Lord. What is going on? Where are you?
So what can I do to avoid behaving like Mr. Chump?
Paul’s idea in the Romans passage above is a great place to start. Paul confesses he’s at a loss, that the depths of God are beyond his reach. So he humbly sits down at the brink, and adores the depth.*
Worship. That’s the answer.
Move over Mr. Chump. Make room for adoration, gratitude, and trust.
Amend that. Move out, Mr. Chump. Your foolishness is not welcome here.
*paraphrased from Matthew Henry’s Commentary
(photo credits: www.alexandriavaappliancerepair.com ; http://www.onlineathens.com ; http://www.flickr.com ; http://www.godmeandacupofcoffee.blogspot.com )
From the Inside Out 
Great thoughts!! We need to turn from being Mrs. Chumps to Mrs. ChAmps in Christ!! Thankfully, He’s there to step in and help us.
Brilliant play on words, Grace — ‘love it! And, oh yes. Praise Jesus for his support and strength to help us!
Pumpkins on trees? Yes I have been there too. Just last week I listened to someone being over critical of someone else and I bristled with anger at her arrogance, then realized I had just done the same thing a week ago. OUCH!
Thought of this as I read your post. At first I thought Mr. Chump may have a point those weak vines on the ground nourishing the huge pumpkins… until the acorn fell. mmm, I guess God does know what he is doing! LOL
Hopefully that visual of huge pumpkins on trees will pop up when I start to question what God is doing!
And thank God we’re tethered by His Spirit, so we don’t venture too far from His will, His best for us. Slowly but surely we’re becoming what He wants us to be. Hallelujah!
Thank you, Jean, for being such a faithful follower. I so appreciate your comments.
“So he humbly sits down at the brink, and adores the depth.” I love this imagery! I forget sometimes to simply worship the unfathomable depths of our Lord’s wisdom and power. I shall remember this when Mr. Chump comes to visit next. 🙂
I’m delighted you found the imagery meaningful. With you, I plan to remember that visual when Mr. Chump comes calling! Adoring the depths of God is surely a great deal more pleasurable than complaining!! Thank you for stopping by, Rebeca, and leaving a comment.
Adore the depths. I like that. It reminds me of when S.M. Lockridge, in his most famous sermon, said these words: “David said the Heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows His handiwork. My King is the only one of whom there are no means of measure that can define His limitless love. No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of the shore of His endless supplies. No barriers can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing.”
It reminds me of the way author Brennan Manning experienced God’s love. He used the word FURIOUS. The furious love of God. He also spoke of the reckless, raging confidence that comes from knowing the God of Jesus Christ.
….as we adore the depths.
I like that. It puts things into perspective.
Thank you, Pastor Jeremy, for more truth-gems to examine, such as: “No far-seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of the shore of His endless supplies.” Good stuff to ponder. ‘So glad you liked the Matthew Henry comment!
I agree Nancy, Mr Chump is not allowed around here, either..
Together we’ll keep him away!
I was so relieved to learn that I’m not the only one who struggles with questions that Mr.Chump torments us with. I don’t complain, per se, just wonder why. And worry. Adoring the depths will help me see the BIG PICTURE that God is producing, directing, and bringing to fruition. I am so glad I belong to Jesus. How non-believers cope with this world is way beyond me. The only thing I can do is to pray for them.
I, too, love that phrase of Matthew Henry’s, “adoring the depths.” And I couldn’t agree with you more: how non-believers cope with this world is way beyond me as well.