Tag: doubt

Posted on in Fear/Don't Fake Brave, Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Wisdom

Bring Your Tough Questions to Jesus

Yesterday, I watched a Bible Project video about “emet,” that is, God’s faithfulness and trustworthiness. I love these videos! Interestingly, the next video in the series says that Exodus 34:6-7 is the most repeated and re-quoted text by Biblical authors. Wow!!

I also heard a teacher from Read through the Word say, “If you can’t quite see God’s faithfulness in your own life, look for His faithfulness in the lives of others… both in the Bible and people you know.”

So, naturally, God’s faithfulness is on my mind this week! That said, it can sometimes be difficult to see faithfulness when you are in the midst of trials or emotional upheaval. But keep looking… It’s there!

Also, earlier this week, I was texting with two different ladies at the same time. One is very close to me and the other I have never met (a friend of a friend). They are both going through the early stages of severe grief, though their losses are different. Neither felt up to talking on the phone, so texting was their preferred option.

I wish I could take away the pain these ladies are feeling, but I cannot. It will take a fair amount of time and effort to process their intense grief. I’m available to help and listen, but I cannot heal their hearts on my own. However, I can point them toward God’s faithfulness. If they draw close to Him, He will be there strength and everything they need.

After my late-husband, Dave, died in 2013, I certainly had a lot of questions with few answers. I chose not to be mad at God, but still I wondered what our relationship was supposed to look like. I was understandably confused and disappointed.

Back then, another friend simply encouraged me to keep bringing those questions to God Himself. She validated my feelings and challenged me to not give up. Her words resonated with me as she reminded me that God could handle all my emotions. All I had to do was keep coming to Him. It was a breath of fresh air!

My daughter, Lydia, is quite resilient, but even so, she does tend to go through periods of mourning for her dad. Her grief is different than mine, and I cannot always shield her from pain and loss. Though, I can to create a safe space to discuss what’s on her heart.

Recently, Lydia showed me a paper from church where the children were asked to write down questions they would ask God. I don’t know what the lesson was about, but on the top of her list was this question: How is my dad doing?

While I hate that she has to bear such loss, I am glad she feels good about asking God tough questions. (She also asked what God’s favorite color and food were, so I don’t think she was too upset on that day.)

Bottom line: Our doubts and fears can yield a deeper faith as long as we bring all of those questions to Jesus, instead of turning away and trying to cope on our own.

Whether we come to God in anger, confusion, sadness, disappointment—or even with joy and gratitude—we are changed in the presence of Jesus.

He can handle our deepest concerns because His grace knows no bounds. It may be slow progress, but eventually, we will be on level ground again.

Don’t give up when you don’t get the answers you want. Just keep asking and trusting. God will make everything right in due time.

I’m grateful He knows our hearts better than we do!

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God, thanks that we can bring all our tough questions directly to You. Thanks for Your unmatched grace and faithfulness. Please speak words of comfort and healing; Lord, give us Your peace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Do you find yourself weeping with those who weep? Or are you trying to bring surface (quick and superficial) solutions to deep and lasting grief?

Tasks: If you don’t know what to say to someone who is grieving, perhaps don’t say anything. Instead, show up for them. Be available even just to sit and listen, or help with difficult task. Finally, listen to this song, “God Help Me,” by Plumb.

Posted on in Miscellaneous, Prayer, Wisdom, Worship

Don’t Stop Believing!

This week, I have been scribing John 14! Writing down the verses word-for-word helps me understand more of the story. I can almost imagine I was there in the scene, which helps me feel the intent and emotions behind the words.

You can read the whole chapter here for context, but the thing that stood out to me, is John 14:8-9, which says, “Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”
Jesus answered: Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?” (my emphasis added)

When I read these verses, I detect a little bit of sadness. Jesus seemed hurt His disciples were struggling to believe in Him. They quickly tossed aside His message and miracles and started questioning His character. They second-guessed His intentions.

Jesus’ disciples didn’t understand His purpose. Nor did they realize the depth of His love that would soon send Him to the cross. I wonder if Jesus ever grew tired of always having to explain and prove Himself.

I find it a little heartbreaking in the next two verses, when Jesus says,
“Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves.” (my emphasis added)

It is easy to have faith when life is going well. We may even have ‘proof’ things are going our way. We say God is good—and indeed He is.

But, there is a danger if we only say, “God is good,” in the good times. God never changes (Hebrews 13:8), so even when our circumstances change for the worse, He is still good.

Of course, challenges are a part of life. Quite often, when troubles come, our doubts and fears are exposed. Our true motivations are rooted out and then chipped away from our remaining character.

Doubts and trials can certainly be uncomfortable, but it is normal to have questions about what we are going through. As long as we keep seeking Him, we will find Jesus.

He will give us the answers we need, and/or the grace to move forward when it doesn’t make sense. In fact, He can use this process to strengthen us, refine us, and redirect us. He turns trials around in our favor, too (Romans 8:28)!

In the past, cancer and grief threatened my entire view of God. At times, my doubts made me question God’s character and love. I thought, “How could God ‘allow’ Dave to get sick?” I knew cancer wasn’t from God, and in those 364 days, I learned He was not mad at me or punishing me.

Instead, He graciously showed me that I was seeing Him through my own faulty traits. There was a difference between who I thought God was and who He actually is.

God will not be limited to our human interpretations of who He is or what He does. He does not owe us an explanation. But He does ask us to believe in Him.

The next time you are faced with fears and doubts, come directly to Jesus. He is not turned off by your questions. He wants to show you the Truth about Himself and your situation.

Read His word and set your eyes on Him, not the problem. Remind yourself of His character and love. Remember all the ways He has been faithful.

Don’t let your doubts keep you from Jesus. Believe He is who He says He is. He is your defender and your righteousness. Let Him be your refuge. He loves you dearly!

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Heavenly Father, You are so good and faithful. I’m sorry when I doubt You. Help me remember Your faithfulness. You always keep Your promises! In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Can you hear Jesus calling to you with grace and love? What is He saying to you right now? Will you draw near to Him?

Tasks: Listen to the song, “Your Love Defends Me,” by Matt Maher.