Even If… An open letter
to the believer
We face tragedy and triumph every day. Each day that we wake
up and breathe in and breathe out there are risks and rewards to challenge us.
If I stop there, it will seem if there is no real hope. If I only paid attention
to network news agencies for my information and daily intake of knowledge, it would
seem there is no hope. But there is hope!
Sam Baldwin (Tom Hanks) in the movie Sleepless in Seattle
said about getting up every day,” Well, I'm gonna get out of bed every
morning... breathe in and out all day long. Then, after a while I won't have to
remind myself to get out of bed every morning and breathe in and out... “. Sam
was remembering how perfect it was to have his wife alive and by his side. He
was stating how hard it is sometimes just to do something that should come naturally.
Now, I don’t believe we have to remind our lungs to expand and contract every
moment, but we do have to remember and realize that every breath is a gift. Over
the last 10 years I have seen more death, more pain, more “Hell on Earth” then
I could have imagined. There have been times in my own life when just the
simple tasks seemed overwhelming. When breathing in and out seemed like a massive
exercise.
Years ago, I was taught that God answers every prayer. His response
might not be what we want, but He does answer. So, what if? What if God doesn’t
answer a prayer the way you want? Most respond with leaving the church,
stopping reading their bible and giving up on God. They, as Revelation says in chapter
2, have left their first love. What is the best response? Notice I did not say
the right response, it is not my right to tell you how to respond, but I have
documented some ideas ahead.
God does not shy away from questions: Many times in the
Bible we find people questioning God. James 1 says that if you lack wisdom,
then ask. He will provide answers. Is it ok to be mad at God while questioning His
answers? (I might get kicked out of leadership for this) But, YES. You cannot
be something you are not. If the way he answers is not what you wanted, it is
ok to be upset. It is not ok to stay upset. Think back to Sam Baldwin, do you think
that he was happy with his wife dying? Do you think, if this was a real scenario,
that Sam would have been mad at God? Yes! I have friends that have lost their spouses,
lost children or parents to death and I have heard people say to not be mad at
God. I say stop that, we are not perfect. The key is to be mad, ask forgiveness
and then be ready for God to teach you how to live and grow through your situation.
Ask Him daily, hourly, every waking minute, how to grow through these times.
Ask specific questions and be ready for answers. Seek counsel from wise believers,
read the Bible, and start looking forward to His lessons.
God requires us to seek Him: My favorite verse is Psalm 34:4
which says, “I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my
fears.” See the author is saying I sought, I spoke, I asked. God did not randomly
do something. He responded to His child seeking Him. Over and over the Bible calls
us out and says seek Him. Do you think the bleeding woman in Matthew 9 would
have been healed if it not for her pursuit of just merely touching His garment?
No, she actively sought Him for an answer.
God requires us to trust Him: Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust in
the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” This
is hard, especially if you feel He has let you down. He is not out to hurt you;
He is out to bless you. In the movie Sam finds a beautiful woman, through some weird
circumstances. But he finds a woman that we are led to believe he falls in love,
marries and they live happily ever after. It doesn’t always work out so smoothly,
but when we are past the situation, we see the blessings.
So, what if? What if He doesn’t answer the way you want Him
to? Today I was reminded of a great song by Mercy Me. The song is Even If. I
have included a link to the lyric video. Take time to listen and read the words
on the screen as you go. It always helps me to listen and read at the same time.
It will convict and encourage you. I am so grateful to talented people helping me
put words to how I feel.
Link to video:
Michael
