Timing Questioned

Timing Questioned

Genesis 15: After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.”

 

² But Abram said, “Lord God, what will You give me, seeing I go childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” ³ Then Abram said, “Look, You have given me no offspring; indeed one born in my house is my heir!”

 

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After about ten years had passed since hearing the amazing promise GOD made, Abram started to get frustrated. Knowing what was on his mind, the LORD appeared to Abram in a vision, reminding him that the promise was still in effect. Abram expressed his frustration to the LORD by saying he remained childless.

 

My Observations:

• Abram had a solid relationship with the LORD that he could ask questions about the promise GOD made.
• Abram believed right away, but after a decade, wondered what’s the hold up.
• Abram did not blame GOD or question if it was a sin that kept him from the promise.

 

After a decade of waiting on the promise, nothing happened. Abram received the promise when he was seventy-five years old. He may have told his wife, friends and workers that he was going to have a child. He remained faithful, but probably wondered “when?” I can relate to what Abram was going through, can’t you?

 

Abram did as he was told, no matter how strange it seemed. He did not once question if he heard GOD correctly or if GOD was the ultimate liar, needing to hear “but YOU promised.” Instead, Abram stated the fact that GOD made a promise that required children and he had no child up to this point. Abram remained respectful while stating facts.

 

Challenge

• Why does it seem that GOD delayed on HIS promise to Abram?
• Has GOD made a promise to you that has not come to fruition yet?
• Are you willing to ask GOD about the facts of your promise while remaining respectful and hopeful?

What is the purpose?

What is the purpose?

John 9: ⁶ When He had said these things, He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva; and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay. ⁷ And He said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which is translated, Sent). So he went and washed, and came back seeing.

⁸ Therefore the neighbors and those who previously had seen that he was blind said, “Is not this he who sat and begged?”

⁹ Some said, “This is he.” Others said, “He is like him.”

He said, “I am he.”

¹⁰ Therefore they said to him, “How were your eyes opened?”

¹¹ He answered and said, “A Man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to the pool of Siloam and wash.’ So I went and washed, and I received sight.”

¹² Then they said to him, “Where is He?”

He said, “I do not know.”

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“That’s it! I’ve had enough!” I exclaimed. Problems had multiplied and I was alone. Having nowhere to turn, I decided to get on my knees and pray. It had been a while, but I did not know what to do. Before I prayed, I recalled my own words. “What’s the purpose of going to church?” Then I remembered incriminating the hypocrites who taught and preached. I wasn’t worshiping GOD.

• There was a time when I questioned the power of GOD.
• There was a time when I dared GOD to do HIS worst to me.
• There was a time when I doubted GOD’s love for me and power over my life.

JESUS spat on the ground and made clay to put over the blind man’s eyes. HE then “sent” him to the pool named “Sent” to wash off the clay. The blind man did so and was healed. But why the theatrics? Couldn’t JESUS just touch him and heal him? Yes, but there was a purpose.

• JESUS wants me to know there is a purpose for everything that I go through.
• JESUS wants me to understand that there is a reason I go through problems.
• JESUS wants me to acknowledge HIS power and seek HIM for the rest of my life.

Nowadays we label things as “birth defects.” BUT GOD may label it as a showing of HIS power. HE healed one person and thousands, if not millions, believed in HIS power. We still read this story today and get hope.

JESUS had a purpose for this person being healed after decades of living with the problem. HE could show everyone that HE is in control of physical ailments and long lasting problems. HE gave the town hope. I place my hope in JESUS.

• Are you questioning GOD?
• Do you question the “purpose” of HIS decisions?
• Will you stop doubting GOD based on your little knowledge of HIM and ask HIM to grow your faith so you can trust HIM more and more?  

The Answer

The Answer

John 7: ²⁵ Now some of them from Jerusalem said, “Is this not He whom they seek to kill? ²⁶ But look! He speaks boldly, and they say nothing to Him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is truly the Christ? ²⁷ However, we know where this Man is from; but when the Christ comes, no one knows where He is from.”

²⁸ Then Jesus cried out, as He taught in the temple, saying, “You both know Me, and you know where I am from; and I have not come of Myself, but He who sent Me is true, whom you do not know. ²⁹ But I know Him, for I am from Him, and He sent Me.”

³⁰ Therefore they sought to take Him; but no one laid a hand on Him, because His hour had not yet come. ³¹ And many of the people believed in Him, and said, “When the Christ comes, will He do more signs than these which this Man has done?”

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For once in my life, the answers were easy. I had prepared ahead of time and could recall the information clearly during final exams. When I got my grades for that semester, I was pleased. So, why was I still broke with no way to pay my bills? And why did a relative of mine get sick?

• There are times when I have more questions than answers.
• There are times when I am in situations that seem overwhelming.
• There are times when I want to know exactly what to do but do not have a clear answer.

Some from the crowd commented that the leaders were definitely trying to kill JESUS. The church leaders must have spoken against JESUS behind HIS back. The crowd noticed how boldly JESUS spoke without retaliation. JESUS tells them why. Many believed.

• JESUS wants me to know HE is the answer to life.
• JESUS wants me to understand that HE is the only reason for my existence.
• JESUS wants me to believe that I am HIS person and HE is my GOD.

“Who will do more signs than this Man has done?” was the crowds reply. They were seeking the answer to life and realized they found it. But what about the broken cars, relationships, bones and ability to feed myself? JESUS is the answer to all of that as well.

GOD cares about me eternally and HE cares about my present state. HE does care about the things I get concerned about and wants me to have faith that HE is the answer to all of my questions. HE miraculously heals, amazingly provides and unbelievably fixes things I could never imagine. I am glad JESUS is my purpose for HE is “the answer.”

• Are you too scared of your situation to have faith in GOD?
• Is your mind racing trying to figure things out on your own?
• Will you allow GOD to calm you down and use HIS power to guide you through this situation, HIS way today?

Replanting the Uprooted

Jeremiah 12: ¹⁴ This is what the Lord says: “As for all my wicked neighbors who seize the inheritance I gave my people Israel, I will uproot them from their lands and I will uproot the people of Judah from among them. ¹⁵ But after I uproot them, I will again have compassion and will bring each of them back to their own inheritance and their own country.

¹⁶ And if they learn well the ways of my people and swear by my name, saying, ‘As surely as the Lord lives’—even as they once taught my people to swear by Baal—then they will be established among my people. ¹⁷ But if any nation does not listen, I will completely uproot and destroy it,” declares the Lord.

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After waking up from a long journey of life, I wanted a breather. It seemed like GOD had allowed calamity to fall on me, meanwhile those who could care less about HIM seemed to have an easy life. “Hey GOD… What about me? I thought.”

• Problems sometimes have a way of making me complain about GOD’s methods.
• Difficulties sometimes have a way of making me question GOD’s love towards me.
• Trials sometimes have a way of making me look at GOD as if HE were the problem.

Like many others, Jeremiah complained to GOD. I did as well. It just seemed like GOD allows the wicked to do what they wanted and I could not even take a paper clip from a large corporation without feeling wrath. What’s with that?

• GOD said to me “I loved you so much that I died specifically for you.”
• GOD said to me “I have compassion for you because you believed in MY death and resurrection.”
• GOD said to me “I know life seems difficult but I have gone to make a better place for you, meanwhile I have sent the COMFORTER who will be with you each and every minute.”

Things are never as they seem. While sometimes life looks difficult, GOD is there feeling the pain more than I do. HE goes through each problem with me and absorbs the difficulty at the same time. HE is not distant rather very active in my life. HE cares and knows HIS way is truly the best for me. I thank GOD for showing me compassion.

• Do you feel sorry for yourself?
• Do you think you deserve better from GOD?
• Can you stop comparing your life to others and rejoice about your relationship with HIM?
• Will you grow more today by thanking GOD for what HE “is” doing?

Asking Why

Job 3: Why is life given to a man
    whose way is hidden,
    whom God has hedged in?

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After bargaining with GOD and blaming HIM, my thoughts went to questioning HIM as Job did in this passage. “Why” was the beginning of my question each time I went through something. Then I would add an extra helping of “Why” when I would compare my life to someone else’s.

• When I have gone through trouble I have asked “Why?” and received no answer.
• When I have gone through problems I have asked “Why?” and did not receive a sound.
• When I have gone through issues I have asked “Why?” and hear nothing.

“Why” is a question of clarity but it can also carry a tone of entitlement as if I could change GOD’s mind by making HIM reason HIS way into thinking like me. Does GOD owe me an explanation?

• GOD does not owe me an explanation because HE has already shown HIS maximum love by dying for me.
• GOD does not owe me an explanation because HE has already forgiven me.
• GOD does not owe me an explanation because HE has a plan for me that is HIS perfect will.

Sometimes I forget that GOD is supreme. I think HE can and should change HIS mind to think like me. I squirm and wiggle and HE stays steady. I then realize the struggle against HIS will is futile. The better question is “What” instead of “Why”. “What would YOU like me to do today?” “What is YOUR will and can you help me align to it today?”

Asking GOD “What” helps me accept the fact that Satan wants to thwart GOD’s plan. It makes me get up off the ground and fight another day. “Why” points to the past, “What” points to the here and now.

• Are you going through something?
• Have you been facing this problem very long?
• Can you stop feeling sorry for yourself by stopping your “why” question?
• Will you gain your life back by asking GOD “What” for a change?
• Will you receive HIS glorious power by being led by HIM today?

Denial of GOD only makes it worse.

Luke 22: ⁵⁹ About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.”

 ⁶⁰ Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. ⁶¹ The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” ⁶² And he went outside and wept bitterly.

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“Come on let’s go out to the bar” was the beginning of a weekend of bad decisions. I would just have a few drinks, flirt a little, dance a little and release some of the cares I had from the week.

That phone number along with my pounding head would once again keep me from going to church. I mean GOD will understand the need to release my anxiety by having a little fun right?

• It’s amazing how much I deny GOD’s words on a daily basis.
• Many times I don’t believe GOD would do anything to any human.
• Sometimes I think it’s crazy to believe in demons.
• Other times I question the existence of Hell and the possibility of me going there.
• Still other times I dare GOD to sequester consequences on the sin I’ve just committed.

Invisible, inaudible and only words and feelings describing HIM make GOD look like a fable to me sometimes. Then that thing would happen. A difficult situation that requires HIS mighty power would somehow pop into my life at the wrong time. “GOD I need YOU” I would cry out!

• You would think GOD would say, “But you sinned when you knew better”, but HE doesn’t.
• You would think GOD would say, “You should have thought of that before you got yourself in this mess”, but HE doesn’t.
• You would think GOD would say, “You flat out denied me and chose sin to solve your problems”, But HE doesn’t.

Why doesn’t HE say these things about me? It’s GOD’s loving nature that pursues me even when I try to go my own way. I deny HIM, HE pursues me trying to get me to see that my sinful plan won’t work. Only HIS plans have a future so I can’t deny HIS words, existence or JESUS’ position as GOD the SON.

• Are you denying GOD by the sin you are planning?
• Did you deny GOD last night?
• Which part of the Bible don’t you believe?
• Are some of the miracles far-fetched to you?
• Won’t you stop trying to figure GOD out with your mind and add faith to your heart?

Why do bad things happen?

Luke 13: ¹⁴ Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue leader said to the people, “There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath.”

 ¹⁵ The Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie your ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? ¹⁶ Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?”

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“Why me?” are the words I have exclaimed many times when something went wrong in my life. When my bike was stolen, “why me?” came out of my mouth. When someone totaled my car, “why me?” was top of mind. When that relationship dissolved, “why me?” was hard to figure out. And when that person died “why me?” was the first thing I could think of.

• Satan wants me to ask “why me?” because it weakens my relationship with GOD.
• Satan wants me to ask “why me?” because it increases my selfishness.
• Satan wants me to ask “why me?” because it makes me doubt GOD’s position, abilities and love for me.

“Why me?” is focused on “me” not GOD. In the “circumstance” I call bad, GOD uses for good.  It’s immature to think a difficult circumstance is caused by my recent sin rather than understanding that difficulties are caused “because” I try to serve GOD.

• Immaturity says “why me” when something was stolen from me, maturity says “thank GOD” I am learning not to value possessions more than valuing GOD.
• Immaturity says “why me” when ‘that’ person is not in my life, maturity says “thank GOD” I no longer have that distraction away from my LORD.
• Immaturity says “why me” when ‘that’ person is hurt or dies, maturity says “thank GOD” salvation is available to me, my family and to all who believe.

I have to admit the “cursed” earth concept is hard to swallow.  I question GOD not seeing what HE is doing to make my life better. I blame HIM and fight HIM and challenge HIM rather than giving my will to HIM and doing HIS work. Oh, but when I do follow GOD, marvelous things happen.

Since I am at war with Satan, the question isn’t “why me?” the statement is “of course it’s me!” I am a follow of GOD!

• Have you run into some difficult times?
• Are you asking, “why me?”
• Can you take a moment to understand GOD loves you even through this difficult time?

How random is GOD?

Luke 2:  ¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
   and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

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In the past I pondered GOD in disbelief. I demanded HE show HIMSELF, speak or perform a miracle each day. When HE ignored my demands I pouted and questioned not only my relationship with HIM but even HIS very existence.

During the moments I did believe I didn’t respect HIM saying, “it isn’t fair that you chose that person to be rich and not me.” GOD seemed random to me.

• GOD is not random I am.
• GOD is not random rather sometimes I want my way and don’t get it.
• GOD is not random rather my faith lacks focus on HIS commands, decrees and wishes.

HIS favor is special and is set aside for those who believe in HIS SON, HIS love and HIS position as GOD. HE adores when I fully believe in HIS grace and mercy for me especially when I show it to someone else.

Funny, when I focus on HIS love for me, I really don’t have a problem following what HE wants me to do. I am never embarrassed to mention JESUS and peace seems to permeate my soul.  Life on Earth is temporary but HIS love for me is everlasting!

• Can you praise GOD without questioning HIM?
• Will you give up your will and allow HIM to do some amazing things in your life?
• Are you anxious for something?
• Can you give up your anxiety and allow GOD to show you HIS plan?

I just want to "control" my life!

Luke 20:1One day as he was teaching the people in the temple courts and preaching the gospel, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, together with the elders, came up to him. 2"Tell us by what authority you are doing these things," they said. "Who gave you this authority?" 3He replied, "I will also ask you a question. Tell me, 4John's baptism—was it from heaven, or from men?"
5They discussed it among themselves and said, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will ask, 'Why didn't you believe him?' 6But if we say, 'From men,' all the people will stone us, because they are persuaded that John was a prophet."

7So they answered, "We don't know where it was from."

8Jesus said, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things."

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I used to wonder why GOD would allow "things" to happen to me. I mean, I believed in JESUS at an early age. I tried to stay away from sin as much as possible. I went to church most Sunday's, well at least when I felt like it. I even gave my dollar each week. Why is "this" happening to me? I have questioned GOD, HIS methods and motives and I get the same answer each time. "I'M not going to tell you.

JESUS was upset at the religious leaders of the day. This is one of the rare scriptures that show the entire group who were against JESUS together in one location. The Pharisees, Sadducees, and the Elders wanted religious control.

"Control" is the word that is the problem. Control is probably the ugliest part of humanity.

• When I try to control GOD, blessings can't happen.
• When I try to control my wife, my marriage breaks.
• When I try to control my kids, they grow weaker and weaker.
• When I try to control my neighbors, I make enemies.
• When I try to control politics, I become political and blind.
• When I try to control co-workers, I become demanding.

I believe "control" is the single most thing GOD despises in humans. Satan wanted control of everything. I'm not sure what he thought he was going to do with GOD, but that's another discussion. GOD threw Satan out of heaven because of his need for control.

Now when I look at my life I see control all over it. I like to control things that are in my control and things out of my control. The problem is when I try to control the things out of my control I wind up frustrated. Weather, traffic, and economy are things out of my control. When I get frustrated at any of these things I fall to unresolved conflict.

GOD cannot be controlled. HE is sovereign in HIS plan and should not be questioned. HE allows us to question HIM, but usually we don't like the answer. Going to church more and reading the Bible more do not make GOD love us more. We can understand HIM better by doing these things, but HE has already taken HIS steps to show us HE fully loves us.

• When I stop trying to control GOD, I can see HIS blessings.
• When I stop trying to control my situations, I receive peace.
• When I stop trying to control life, I can see GOD working instead of punishing.

GOD does not owe me an explanation of every little bump in the road. HE does enjoy it when I let HIM control my life.

• Are you miserable in life?
• Does it seem like problems are occurring wherever you go?
• Are you frustrated?
• Are you trying to control your life?
• Are you questioning GOD and HIS methods to bless your life?
• What or who are you trying to control?