How many times has your faith been rocked by someone who is supposed to be a Christian? We all need to remember not to confuse God, who loves us unconditionally, with the church who does not. In addition, the church is made up of sinners, of human beings who struggle to be God like.
I struggled with understanding the love of God into my 30’s. I know my earthly father loved me although he struggled to say it. His actions are what allowed me to know he loved me. But my dad was pretty hands off when we were small. I was 5 when my parent’s divorce was finalized. Back in those days it was a given that the mom was awarded custody and the dad visitation in most circumstances. My dad could of had us every weekend but said no every other weekend would be okay. I can’t even tell you today how I know that, but I do. There were times in my life where that knowledge was hard. As an adult that had her children 24×7 for close to 10 months out of 12, I saw it a little differently. My point is that my relationship with my dad dictated a lot of my relationship with my Heavenly Father. About 20 years later I’ve grown in that understanding A LOT!
Just as my relationship with my dad affected how I viewed God, things that happen with people do too. It causes questions like: Why do Christians live together, isn’t that a sin? Why was that person harsh with me, aren’t they a Christian? Why did that Christian say something so hurtful to me? Why doesn’t the church see my need and do something? I could go on for days, but you don’t want to read that long!
We are all humans. I promise you that you’ve sinned, probably even today. I promise you, that you have been harsh with someone, some time, some place. I promise you that you have said something hurtful to someone, and maybe you had NO CLUE that it was hurtful. Sometimes the church doesn’t really know we have a need…. we have to speak up! Sometimes they can’t or choose not to help and they have their reasons, right or wrong. God, our Heavenly Father, is not the church nor any of these people that have wronged you, hurt your or ignored you.
Jer 29:13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all of your heart.
Above all seek God. Don’t confuse Him with the church. Seek to understand how He is there waiting to love on you, to be there for you. He’s there to answer your prayers. We do have to understand that He knows best. That what we think we want or should have may not be what He has in mind. It takes looking back to understand that. To look at circumstances in our life where we were spared from something and it could have only been God that protected us. Times where He blessed us! Times where we felt Him. Times where someone was His hands and feet helping us. I encourage you to take an inventory and see where God has been present in your life and what that meant.
Father, help us to seek You, to have your grace towards the humans we share this life with. Help us to see your blessings, the times the footprints in the sand were yours because you were carrying us. Help us to seek you with all our heart so that we may truly find You. Amen
Grace Under Pressure 