Month: October 2017

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Disillusioned with God

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People who are mad at God aren’t always truly mad at God – they’re angry at a person or system linked to God.

That system or person failed them in some way, and because it somehow represented God to them, they transfer ownership for the wrongdoing to God. Even though God didn’t deal the blow, He’s been made responsible for it.

Disillusioned, the wounded leave the faith and walk away from God, carrying deep pain and anger with them for years. What’s sad about this misrepresentation is they miss the true nature of God.

Religious systems and religious people are imperfect. They fail. They sin. The sin harms. The harm hurts. The hurt runs deep.

If you’re reading this and you’ve been hurt in this way, I want to say sorry on behalf of the people who caused you harm. But I also want to encourage you that they are not God. God is love and His love never fails (1 John 4:8; Psalm 136). Although you may feel you want no part of God if this is how He looks, don’t mistakenly bundle God’s infallible character with the flawed character or behaviour of human beings.

What they said or did, or failed to say or do, is no reflection of the true nature of God. I hazard a guess that God is deeply saddened when people leave Him on account of people. He understands this kind of pain and is likewise pained when His relationship with those who have been wounded is fragmented. He offers healing, counsel, direction, and the gifts of deep love, joy, and peace; being severed from Him doesn’t afford these pleasures.

Sometimes the anger toward God isn’t misplaced. Instead, the wounded one isn’t mistakenly blaming God but rather asking why God let it happen. As difficult as this is to absorb, we’re not often privy to these kinds of answers. Sometimes, we merely need to trust. That’s where faith comes in.

Can you believe in a God who doesn’t always tell you why? Who allows hurts this side of heaven? Who isn’t a divine Genie? Bad stuff happens to good and “bad” people alike. We aren’t living in heaven…yet. We just have to trust, even when it doesn’t make sense.

Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8

“So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time…Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.” James 4:8-10 (Message)

Let’s not make it about people, but about God. He’s trustworthy, perfect, and loves us unconditionally. Let Him heal your broken heart and bind up your wounds. (Psalm 147:3)

May you have the courage to trust God despite the wounding.

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  1. Make a list of those who have wounded you.
  2. Can you forgive them one-by-one? Can you forgive God for allowing it? Return to God and ask for forgiveness for your anger, knowing He is quick to forgive, then rest in Him believing it’s done.

 

 

 

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Your Life Matters

Before-Bookcase

Somewhere between the industry (sometimes drudgery) of our days turned years, we might be lulled into thinking our life hasn’t made an impact.

Possibly at the halfway point in my life (only God knows for sure), I’ve been earnestly reflecting on the state of my personal nation. I’ve painstakingly decluttered my schedule, and am doing the same within my home – and though I know it’s a lifetime effort, my thought life hasn’t escaped this scrutiny.

Since our inner thoughts form our external actions and reactions, constant decluttering is needed. I’ve noticed there’s a relentless battle for our minds in the form of a steady offering of lies. Fortunately, we can choose whether or not we allow these and other superfluous junk to clutter up our thought life.

My most recent battle was the unsettling feeling that my life hadn’t amounted to much. Whether a mini mid-life crisis or melancholy, it was an idea worth wrestling with.

Along with a plethora of tactics, the enemy of our soul would have us believe our efforts have been futile in hopes of devaluing us and rendering us ineffective for future difference-making.

Battling for truth is critical, because in doing so we cancel out the lies.

And the truth is, my life matters, your life matters, our collective lives matter. You were created for beautiful acts of worship only you can perform on this earth.

Every time you create, love, and live true to who you are, you make a difference. Fingerprints on the things you touch get impressed into the lives of those around you, which, in turn, encourages them to keep running the great human race.

Every time you cheer another on, you make a difference.

Every time you relinquish some of your time to another, you make a difference.

Every time you put into motion one of your creative ideas, you impact your circle of influence.

Every time you love, you fill a human tank with more fuel to keep on.

You see, your life will never be wasted.

Even if lived in a rather unremarkable fashion, your life is remarkable to the One who fashioned it.

Even if you never hear how any of your actions impacted another this side of heaven – even if you never get an award of recognition or some trophy to put on your mantle – God says:

“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”  ~Revelation 22:12-13

Satan would have us to believe that both our good deeds or our not-so-good ones are of no consequence. That way he can feed us the lie that none of this matters. Make no mistake, it all matters! This day, moment, this very breath matters. It’s a gift you can wrap and give back to God and this world.

May you live in deep understanding of God’s love and acceptance of you and know you – and your life – matters.

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  1. What lies are you believing that simply aren’t true?
  2. Ask God to show you the truth and listen to how He answers.