Dodgeball to the Face, Part Deux

Last time we talked about the experience with the dodgeball to the face, and how it's like being questioned about our faith. I addressed how we should answer those questions, but I didn't focus on the other part of that scenario: the pain itself.

When we are questioned about our faith, many time these questions hurt because we don't readily have an answer. We live inn the age of instant gratification, so when we can't produce an answer, all of a sudden we clam up, and it's like we feel completely numb to the Holy Spirit for a brief time. All of a sudden, we feel as if we're non-believers all over again. We feel empty. We even go as far as to ask God, "Hey, what is the answer to their question? Do You even know?" 

Whoa!! What just happened?! One minute we're on mission for Christ, the next we're questioning God like we understand everything. Not cool. We've officially gone too far, but unfortunately, I wouldn't be mentioning this if we didn't do it. I've hit rough patches before where I questioned God. It was a time where I just had to ask, "Am I missing something? Why does there seem to be a contradiction here? I know You're real, and I know Your Word's real, but help me understand this." I couldn't figure out how certain parts of the Bible fit with what we know today. I was having trouble finding a timeline for when this stuff happened in the Bible. I even had to ask if we were doing the right thing, or if we were just the crazy brand of Jews. 

I know, I just unloaded a whole mess of personal stuff on you. My bad. Back to the point. That feeling hurts, but it's the calm you feel later that's evidence of God. It's when you're an emotional wreck at night not knowing what eternity has in store for you that you hear that still small voice say, "Why don't you just calm down for a while? Are you alright? I'm listening. Lay your burdens down at my feet." No, this isn't the voice of a concerned parent... Well, on second thought it is. It's the Father saying He cares.

Next time this happens to you, remember why you even believe what the Bible says. You believe it because God has shown Himself to you, and He's shown you the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Just remember that when you get stuck in a rut.

Your Brother in Christ,
Phillip