If only reading Romans 9-11 were as fun as reading Romans 8! From my earliest days of following Jesus my faith has been filled with questions. Sometimes even marked by doubt. God can handle that! He invites me to come to Him with my fear, frustration, questions and doubts. After wrestling for a while, I walk away transformed by His presence. He answers the deep issues of my heart with His character. There is so much I don't know or understand in this world. Even this morning, I have already prayed for the people suffering in China and Myanmar, and the people I know who are struggling, wondering why things have happened as they did.
There are many people these days who are asking questions and exploring their faith and their doubts. I think that is good, even noble. Until we begin to re-create God to suit our understanding of goodness and justice. That's not okay with God. Reading Romans 9 and 10 over the past 2 days I am reminded of the simple reality that just because I may not like or understand the Truth, it doesn't cease to be the Truth.
But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, "Why did you make me like this?" Romans 9:20
The psalms are evidence that God welcomes His children to come to Him with the fulness of who we are- with doubt, anger, lament, and questions. But as we do, we should be careful that we are approaching God for who He really is- omnipotent, almighty, creator. As we do, we will also find His grace, mercy, lovingkindness, and patience.
As C.S. Lewis wrote, "The prayer preceding all prayers is "May it be the real I who speaks, and the real Thou that I speak to." Amen!
1 comment:
Wow honey... great blog! I think what you said is so important for this time and culture that we live in. We can bring questions and doubts to God, but we have to be careful not to redefine God. I love how you said, "He answers the deep issues of my heart with His character." I think that is the key.
Thank you!
I love you,
Chip
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