Maybe it's the temperature. Maybe it's all the sand where I was just golfing. Maybe it's because I've only spoken one time in the last nine weeks. Maybe it's just the way it is sometimes.
Whatever it is, I have been feeling like I'm walking through the desert in my spiritual life. I've been getting up early, reading my Bible, praying and making generally good choices with how I spend my time, what I watch, read and where I go. So why have I felt like I haven't been able to hear God? I examined myself, noted some room for improvement and moved that way. Still nothing, but I'm pressing on through the desert.
Have you ever been there? You know, where you feel like you're doing everything you're supposed to and everything right, but you're just not "feeling it"? I'm convinced that those are times of preparation even though it seems like nothing is happening. So I don't know what God has in store for me, my family, Discovery Church and this city, but I have a feeling it's going to be something only God can do and it's going to be big!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
I understand. Some things are moving MUCH slower than I would like them to, but I have to know that God is in control, He is working, He has a plan, and that my viewpoint is from the ground, while His is "on high". I use your and Claude's experience to remind myself of how God prepares things in advance to accomplish His purpose in His perfect time. I get impatient, but I try to remember the times when I've lagged behind or ran ahead of Him and probably missed what He really had for me.
It's not easy, but I'm learning.
Hi Pastor,
First off, I almost called you "Father" but I know that's wrong, so if there's something respectful I should be calling you, let me know.
Secondly, I guess it's kind of creepy that I'm posting on your blog as a stranger. I apologize. I'm at work and I'm bored stiff and this post intrigued me.
So, here I was stumbling through blogs and noticed you called your current spiritual state a "desert." This is interesting to me because, as a Muslim, I've had teachers and friendly Imams gently warning me throughout school of the fluctuations of faith. That is, that every human being is inevitably bound by his limitations, and that no matter his fervor and desire for God, he will get burnt out from time to time. “Faith wears out in the heart of any one of you just as clothes wear out, so ask Allaah [the Arabic word for God] to renew the faith in your hearts.” So said Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. I'm sure such ideas are present in many world civilizations, as God has graced us with His wisdom in many guises throughout eternity.
Honestly, it is a sentiment I regard with no little relief, as I grow and progress as an individual. Often, I worry that the problem is with me (and no doubt, the problem is probably with me 99% of the time), but what this says to me is, hey it happens to us all at some point. The trick I've observed is, there is no trick, just patience, persistence, and prayer.
Of course, I'm just an opinionated little squirt as yet untried with much of life's trials. -_- But it was nice to come upon another person concerned with his relationship with our Creator, and I guess I wanted, in my own awkward little way, to offer some form of support, encouragement, and praise at your efforts and honesty.
I've questioned many of my Christian friends about what Prophet Jesus (my apologies if this offends - he is a Prophet of my religion, though I know here we disagree) has said about this particular spiritual phenomena. Granted, they're all the same age most likely as unlearned as I, so there was little in the way of the Words of Jesus (though I'm still on the lookout and welcome any Scripture you may throw at me), but we all took comfort in knowing the Mercy and Benevolence of God, especially to those who sincerely seek him.
In any case, I'm sorry if I am too direct/awkward/nosey/out of line, etc. I mean well, and wish you and your family the best. Hope all works out for you.
-Taikai
Taikai,
First I thank you for your thoughtful response, respect and encouragement. My wife commented how she wishes all of different beliefs and backgrounds could interact as respectfully as you have.
In the middle of this journey I've found comfort in the promise of Jesus to be "with [me] always" (Matthew 28:20). God himself promised the same thing and that He would "never leave [me] or forsake [me]" (Deuteronomy 31:6, 8)
Thank you again though for your encouraging words. Would love to dialogue with you more.
Post a Comment