Basically people are asking the same questions that I've asked myself: How do I fully trust God to protect me (or my loved ones) when bad things happen every day? Why bother to pray when my friend may not be healed?
I want to share something I learned years ago about the world we live in. There is an ebb and flow of the power of God here on earth. This is because although Jesus brought the Kingdom of God to earth, it is not here in full. One day it will be. But not yet. Jesus experienced limitations Himself. Mark 6:5
My point is, one day we will experience the fullness of God's power. For now, we enjoy a measure of it.
This is where faith comes in. We don't control God's power. So we need to believe, really believe, that we can experience it for ourselves. The Bible is clear that God works miracles in conjunction with our faith. Not always. But it's often a part.
Fear and doubt keep us from fully embracing a life of faith. The "what ifs?" steal our joy. The "buts" take away our hope.
I read this amazing passage in 2 Chronicles 32:18-19 that identified a reason we doubt. Doubt is like an enemy who sneaks into our heart and whispers lies. Doubt speaks the language of our hearts, and buries itself in deep. Read what happened to the people of God.
In this chapter, King Hezekiah is defending Jerusalem from attack by the Assyrians. The king of Assyria is relentless in trying to weaken the defenses of God's people. He trash talks God multiple many times, and tries to puts questions into the minds of the people about God's ability to protect them. Then, he did something very interesting. Read verses 18-19:
"Then they called out in Hebrew to the people of Jerusalem who were on the wall, to terrify them and make them afraid in order to capture the city. They spoke about the God of Jerusalem as they did about the gods of the other peoples of the world—the work of human hands."
The king spoke the language of the people in order to terrify them. You've got to read how Hezekiah encouraged everyone. It's worth writing it out on a note card until you've got it memorized. Read here.
Doubt speaks our language. If you've ever had a child get sick, really sick, you will doubt God's ability to heal. If you've lost a loved one in an accident, you will doubt God's ability to protect. If you've been rejected or betrayed, you will doubt God's faithfulness.
I've lost a cousin to breast cancer, and Satan tries to get me to believe I'll get it too. My niece was killed in a drunk driving accident, Satan wants me to believe my children will die too. But those are just lies to get me to doubt God's power and weaken my faith. God is powerful enough to heal and protect. He's proven it multiple times. And I don't want to miss the flow of that power by my doubting.
I'm done listening to Satan's lies. I'm seeing them for what they are. Doubt speaking my language. The next time the evil one tries to put those lies in my head, he's getting the "what for"!
Now on to a winner from my little giveaway contest on Tuesday. Using http://www.random.org/, Kristi who posted at 5:17 a.m., is the winner of a book, Starbucks card and note pad. Kristi, I couldn't find your contact information so please email me at editor@proverbs31.org.
In His Love,
Glynnis
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5 comments:
Oh, the language of doubt! I speak it fluently. I love that you reminded us of King Hezekiah. I know I tend to forget to turn to the Old Testament for reassurance. Thanks!
That is so true! As a Christian, you learn through His Word that God has a plan behind every negative circumstance, and that through the pits of life, you grow closer to God. I can personally say that if it were not for some health issues that I have dealt with, I may not have had the relationship with Jesus like I have now. I know one thing for sure... I always want to yearn to know Him more!
Thanks for sharing!
http://faithfulsolutions.blogspot.com/
Glynnis,
The whole concept of doubt versus faith has haunted me since losing Nick to cancer. Did I not believe enough? Did I not pray hard enough? Did I not rally enough of the world to pray with me? Did I not fast enough? Did I sin? Question after question easily consumes me until I remember this: Jesus asked that He be spared the painful death He would soon be facing on the cross if there was another way, and God said "there isn't another way." Paul asked that the thorn in his flesh be removed and God said, "My grace is sufficient for you."
As I sit now in my grief and all the questions that overtake me in the dark of the night when I miss the air movement of Nick breathing, the touch of his soft skin, and the sound of his sweet voice, I have to cling to the reality that no matter how strong my faith is God's plan prevails, His grace is sufficient.
So what do I do with this knowledge? I face today trusting that NO MATTER what happens to me, my children who are still living, my husband, my financial situation, GOD STILL LOVES ME AND HE IS ENOUGH.
Shew.
The devil loves to whisper fear, regret, doubt, and so many other negative thoughts into my heart. I have to take my thoughts captive every day and make them obedient to Him.
Thank you for reminding me of this.
I love you!
Tammy
Thank you for this. Just what I needed today!
I'm still trying to get in touch with Kristi to send her gift package. Kristi, if you get this, please email me at editor@proverbs31.org.
Thanks - Glynnis
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