One of the causes for hesitation in sharing my 'story' is the realization that each of us experience God in different ways in different chapters of our lives.
I am always mindful that speaking of how 'good' God is will be like salt in a wound to some who are going through dark, confusing times. I want desperately to offer them hope, but not to offend. I also confess that I do not want to have to 'defend' God.
Most recently, this has been a struggle as I encourage my children to pray BIG prayers for Sweeney's healing. What if He chooses not to spare my friend's life? How will I explain God to my children then? I have been wrestling with this and feeling convicted that it is really not my place to attempt to explain or defend the Lord Almighty. Yet, the reality is that I am a mother, fiercely protective of the little hearts entrusted to my care.
This weekend I read a passage in A Long Obedience in the Same Direction where Peterson addresses this exact subject. He describes this role as defending God as akin to being "a clerk in the complaints department of humanity" attempting to explain or 'put right' decisions God has made. He then asserts what I felt deep in my bones. God does not need me as His press secretary. If I accept this role, I misunderstand my position. "The proper work for the Christian is witness, not apology." Our work is not to argue or explain God's help, but rather testify to His help and His faithfulness.
I was thinking about a character witness in a trial. The witness does not address what the defendant does NOT do, but rather, cites examples of what they have done as proof of their character.
So, this is my role. The God I serve has proven Himself as almighty, available, holy, full of grace, my source of peace. He is my provider, protector, closest friend and the lover of my soul. I can speak from my own life...this God described in Scripture is the God I love and serve. I don't have to cajole, convince, defend. I am called only to testify of my experience, to be a witness to His character.
5 comments:
That's a good way of putting it. And, frankly, there's no arguing someone into a belief. There's only living and showing and telling your own beliefs. It seems like you do a really good job of that. I learn something every time I read your blog.
God answers prayer - but only in alignment with His will. Even Jesus prayed "let this cup pass from me" prior to His crucifixion, but also prayed "not my will but Thine be done". This is an often missed element of prayer life. And the faith part comes in that whatever the outcome, we will be able to bear it as He is faithful and will not test us past our endurance.
Not receiving the answer one wants does NOT mean that God did not answer that prayer. In Daniel, an angel visits near the end of his life to tell him that his prayers (Daniel's) have been heard since first uttered and that he is greatly beloved. We're talking a long time here. So our timetable is not necessarily Gods. (Dan 10:20 to the end of the chapter where the fall of Jerusalem, which happened approx 70 years after Christ, is foretold).
Faith. It's the stuff of Life.
The Big Questions. It is hard being a Mama and not knowing what to say. I'm so glad you are having your children participate in praying for your friend. God knows the outcome and you can trust Him. It all comes down to that... Trusting Him.
I don't understand, but I trust Him. I keep telling my own children that in light of our own cirmcumstances. He IS good!
I have been in this situation. I have told my girls (5 & 3) that God will heal the person for absolute sure and certain. We just don't know if He'll heal them here on Earth or if He'll heal them up in heaven...we can pray that He'll heal them on Earth. But if He chooses to heal them in heaven, we can thank Him for that too.
One day I had to explain that a friend of ours was going into hospice and...>deep breath< would be going to live with Jesus soon. I looked at my oldest carefully because I thought she would start to cry. Instead, she got the most beautiful, joyful look on her face. "She gets to go and live with Jesus? REALLY?!" I said, "Yes, isn't that wonderful? But I know you'll miss her" and she said solemnly, "Yes, but I've been preparing myself for that." At that moment, I wanted to have her faith and outlook.
I love the insights that you share. Thank you for taking the time to share what you are learning in such a careful, clear way. Thank you!
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