Yesterday I talked about how the Spirit-filled life is evident through everyday miracles. But sometimes you pray for the miracle, and the miracle never comes. You expect God to come through in a certain way, but you feel let down. It leads you to doubt and to question.
There is much we don’t understand. There are many questions we can’t answer. As a pastor, I would love to have an explanation for every person who comes through my office door with a crisis. But there are so many times where I cannot give an answer. The only thing that I can do is point them to God.
In those moments where we don’t understand, there are a few truths to affirm.
God is good
“For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.” (Psalm 86:5, ESV)
God is not out to get us. He is out to love us. There is a popular view that God is big brother watching over us and waiting for us to slip up. And when we do, he is going to zap us. The truth of the matter is if God wanted to zap you, he would have already done so. There are plenty of times where you have slipped up, but you are still here. He hasn’t condemned you. Instead, he sent his Son Jesus to show you his love and forgiveness.
God knows what he is doing
“For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” (1 Corinthians 1:25, ESV)
This is God knows best. Remember that God lives with an eternal perspective. This is very different from the perspective we see. God sees a much bigger picture than we could ever imagine. We get caught up in our emotions and temporary concerns. But God never does.
I see this as a parent. I find my children worrying about insignificant problems in life. It is a big deal for my children because they have a tiny picture of life. They haven’t had the experiences I have had. As a parent who has lived a few more years than them. I have a different perspective. What they may see as the end of the world, I know is only temporary.
God is in control
"In your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me …” (Psalm 139:16, ESV)
He created the heavens and the earth. He set the world into motion. There is nothing that takes God by surprise. There is no challenge too great for him. We may think things are out of control, but all along God is in perfect control. The power of Satan is limited, and death has been defeated. You can take my life, but you cannot take my salvation. The end of the story has already been determined. Will I trust God to take me to the destination?
It’s a matter of the heart
A Spirit-filled life affirms these truths. It is about trust. It is letting go of what I think is right and stepping aside to let God show me what is right. I have already quoted Psalm 139, but here is another part of that Psalm:
“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” (Psalm 139:23–24, ESV)
In the end, it is a matter of the heart. What matters most is the relationship I have with God. And sometimes what I want most is the worst thing for me. What I want most leads me away from God rather than towards him. “If there be a grievous way in me, Lord, set me right.”
Questions for Reflection
- Has there been a time in your life where you felt that God let you down?
- What other truths can we affirm in times of doubt?
- How do these truths build you up?
- Share your comments.
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