EVERYDAY ENCOUNTER WITH GOD
Pastor Sylvia's Enconters with God in the Midst of Everyday Life
|
ABOUT THE COLUMN Sylvia would love to hear your thoughts about this week's encounter. Please send them to sylvia@pastorsylvia.com |
It’s been a tough week. Sometimes I wish I could
have just one or two God-like super powers. I don’t want the
responsibility of having them permanently. Probably just a few hours
would be enough to make me feel better. When I listen to my friends and relatives I often
feel discontented with how God is running the show.
“The Great I Am” created the earth and all that is
in it. So how hard would it be to find jobs for a few of my neighbors,
healing for a couple friends, salvation for children whose parents drag
them to church on Sundays… and
then some eye-popping, indisputable and obvious miracle that would catch
everyone’s attention and propel them forward in their faith journeys?
Why isn’t God more obvious and immediate? He
clearly revealed himself through wondrous signs and miracles in the Old
Testament. Why shouldn’t we expect the same today?
Atheist Bertrand Russell was once asked what he
would say if after death he met God.
He replied, “God, you gave us insufficient evidence.” At first
when I read Russell’s words I was horrified. They sounded impudent and
blasphemous. But then I turned to my Bible and realized that even people
of great faith have felt the same as me. Maybe you have also. The psalmist wrote, “God, are you avoiding me?
Where are you when I need you?”
(Psalm 10:1) “All day long people knock at my door, pestering,
‘Where is this God of yours?’” (Psalm 42:3) “I counted on you, God. Why
did you walk out on me?” (Psalm 43:2)
And what about Job? “Please God; I have two
requests; grant them so I’ll know I count with you. First, lay off the
afflictions; the terror is too much for me. Second, address me directly
so I can answer you, or let me speak and then you answer me… Why do you
stay hidden and silent?” (Job 13:20 – 24) Theologians offer many explanations for why God
chooses to remain hidden so much of the time. He is growing our faith.
Our sins make Him difficult to see. We have the Bible and the words of
Jesus; that should be enough. None of those answers work for me.
Then, driving home from church this morning I
realized that God is hiding in plain sight, in the last place I often
look for Him—the church. That is where I hear the stories that reawaken
my faith, but there is more… The church is also a God-created community where
each of us has an opportunity to feel his touch. This is where we become
God’s hands and feet, his eyes and mouth. This is where we become his
representatives, courageously going into our own broken places so that
we can be used to heal and bless those same places in others.
For centuries God has worked through faithful
servants to create a community so that he can efficiently administer his
love to those who believe in His Son. I see God in the dramatic and victorious, the
miraculous and the amazing. More often I experience him in worship and
liturgy, prayer and communion, service and sacrifice. He sits in the pew
or chair or on the bench next to mine. He makes me laugh. He encourages
me through a simple hymn sung by someone who also loves him and yearns
for His touch. Even when the week is tough, I always feel
expectation and excitement. What is God planning behind the scenes? How
does He plan to show up when I least expect it? If you belong to a church, you’ve been given a
position of great privilege. God spoke to the ancients. We get to hear
his undeniable voice today, even if we don’t have any special super
powers. Wait! Maybe that is a
super power. |
RECENT COLUMNS Resilience As A Path To Holiness A Christmas Letter From Jesus - 2023 |
Sylvia and Husband John have published a new book,
BOOKS BY SYLVIA
LAURA AND ME; A Sex Offender and Victim Search Together to Understand, Forgive, and Heal
THE RED DOOR; Where Hurt and Holiness Collide
Availible at Amazon and Barns and Noble