"I think that God hates me."
That's was the gist of my conversation with my good friend who just lost her job, had kids making really bad choices, was enduring financial stress and more. Her marriage was tanking and the stress was high. And, she was giving up on God -- because she thought that God has given up on her. He was silent and non-active in response to her prayers. There was no magical check in the mailbox to save the house and no magic spell to cast upon her out-of-control kids and no love potion could return her marriage to it's former glory. She was stuck and felt alone and forgotten and she would forget God back.
If you've ever felt this way or maybe even feel that way today then you're not alone. It happened in the Bible to Job, Jesus and John the Baptist. And, if you live on the third rock from the sun long enough it's probably gonna happen to you, too.
So, what's up with this 'God' who can be AWOL when we need Him the most?
Our answer to that question....the 'theology' that we come up with in the Emergency Room will drive our relationship with God forward or drive it into the ground. If we get our theology twisted up and headed the wrong direction then we will do life without God as much as possible to show Him who's really in charge of me. If we get our 'theology' right then we can weather the tough times AND draw strength from God AND move forward into a joy-filled walk with God in the midst of real life and that walk with God will bring us great joy amidst real life. And, that's what we need most of all isn't it?
Check out this article, not because it's an easy read, but because it's good theology and when you get your theology right then you will enjoy God and life even when times are tough.
Please let me know what you think about what you read here: http://www.directionjournal.org/article/?910
BTW, you really need to be in worship with us this Sunday September 16th because I'll be diving deep into these ideas and giving you hope for the days ahead. Check out PhosChurch.com for directions to 4200 Centerfield Drive in Crestwood, Kentucky. Worship is at 9:30 and 11 AM and is casual dress.
Jeff
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