I have a friend who recently retired and now is suddenly plagued with rheumatoid arthritis. We all recognize that life holds its unexpected [actually not-so-unexpected] surprises. In the proverbial blink of an eye, one's whole life can be upset. Such agitation can challenge our faith.
I'm almost 70 now. I've seen a lot of things in my life. I've seen many attitude changes in my culture. I cannot understand how or why the people of this country have so passively accepted some of the warped developments of late! My God cannot be happy with us right now. Squishing Christianity into some super-tolerating, sweet-Jesus, all-is-love, accept-anything-and-everything bottle completely ignores the Just God (and much of Scriptures). Sure, we are to love---but, a just God must execute justice, by definition. While at the same time, He loves each of us and sinners as well. He is the active agent. I really don't understand this, but I do fear many are going to regret in good time many of their current activities.
However, God will do what God will do . . . and it is most certainly not ultimately my concern. Thank goodness! But, my faith is not going to be challenged by all this nonsense (nor am I going to continue to live under great stress); I'm going to strive to serve my God as best I can, and others are going to have to face their own ramifications for not doing so. I do want my friend's rheumatoid arthritis to be lessened. I do want lawlessness to be reined in. I do want my loved ones to live in a safer world.
So, my weapon of choice henceforth will be prayer---accelerated, intense prayer. Paul contended that without faith we could not please God (Hebrews 11) and with faith we have bold and confident access to Him (Ephesians 3). James proclaimed that the prayers of a righteous person can accomplish much (James 5). Jesus Himself marveled at our unbelief (Mark 6). Beyond all of these ideas, Jesus asserted that if we did not doubt in our hearts, anything could be granted us (Mark 11). This is not to suggest a rags-to-riches application for prayer, but a much more intimate relationship with God through the intercession of Jesus Christ. Perhaps, God has stopped listening (Psalms 66, Jeremiah 14, Lamentations 3, Micah 3). I pray not. Perhaps, He doesn't like our motives (James 4). Pray first for Jesus' mediation.
So, keep the faith, baby!
I'm almost 70 now. I've seen a lot of things in my life. I've seen many attitude changes in my culture. I cannot understand how or why the people of this country have so passively accepted some of the warped developments of late! My God cannot be happy with us right now. Squishing Christianity into some super-tolerating, sweet-Jesus, all-is-love, accept-anything-and-everything bottle completely ignores the Just God (and much of Scriptures). Sure, we are to love---but, a just God must execute justice, by definition. While at the same time, He loves each of us and sinners as well. He is the active agent. I really don't understand this, but I do fear many are going to regret in good time many of their current activities.
However, God will do what God will do . . . and it is most certainly not ultimately my concern. Thank goodness! But, my faith is not going to be challenged by all this nonsense (nor am I going to continue to live under great stress); I'm going to strive to serve my God as best I can, and others are going to have to face their own ramifications for not doing so. I do want my friend's rheumatoid arthritis to be lessened. I do want lawlessness to be reined in. I do want my loved ones to live in a safer world.
So, my weapon of choice henceforth will be prayer---accelerated, intense prayer. Paul contended that without faith we could not please God (Hebrews 11) and with faith we have bold and confident access to Him (Ephesians 3). James proclaimed that the prayers of a righteous person can accomplish much (James 5). Jesus Himself marveled at our unbelief (Mark 6). Beyond all of these ideas, Jesus asserted that if we did not doubt in our hearts, anything could be granted us (Mark 11). This is not to suggest a rags-to-riches application for prayer, but a much more intimate relationship with God through the intercession of Jesus Christ. Perhaps, God has stopped listening (Psalms 66, Jeremiah 14, Lamentations 3, Micah 3). I pray not. Perhaps, He doesn't like our motives (James 4). Pray first for Jesus' mediation.
So, keep the faith, baby!
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