Silence Answers.

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Silence answers.

Have you ever felt like God was ignoring you, maybe distant, far away, or even punishing with silence. Whether you believe in Jesus or not, have you ever found yourself asking “where is God?” “If he is God and he knows everything, why is he allowing this? Doesn’t he love us?” That’s nearly same question the Pharisees had when they saw Jesus hanging on the cross. In Mark 15:29-30 it says “Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down from the cross and save yourself!” The Pharisees questioned Jesus’ power. But doubt and scrutiny towards Jesus was easy for the Pharisees, they hated him. He annoyed them, he went against their hypocritical viewpoints you know the story. Any who, there was actually someone who devoted his life to following Jesus, just like me and you he found himself in doubt and anxiety. This was Thomas… a.k.a. “the doubter”. Long story short, this dude spent some good time with Jesus; he witnessed like the O.G. (original) miracles performed by Jesus, the big man himself. Thomas left everything behind to walk side by side with Jesus. Then the day (crucifixion) came where his faith was put on the stand. With no surprise, Thomas broke under the pressure of logic. The story goes on… After a couple of day the disciples get news that Jesus is alive. Jesus shows up and it’s a beautiful reunion and so forth. BUT guess who’s not at the party. The one. The only. Sweet doubting Thomas. (John 20:24) Where was Thomas? What on earth was he doing?? John doesn’t accord it, so we don’t know… but I’d like to believe that this guy was just getting on with his life, forgetting everything he has previously experienced. So, he meets up with the disciples and they try to tell him that Jesus is alive! BUT stiiiiiill, sweet ole Thomas found himself doubting again. Thomas says these exact words “...Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” (John 20:25) The good news wasn’t enough for Thomas, simply hearing that God was alive wasn’t enough for him. In essence, Thomas demanded evidence for these claims. So, Jesus gave him just that, Thomas ends up getting what he asked for. And finally, he believes…. But what Jesus says next blows me away. Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed;” THIS IS MY FAVORITE PART. Jesus continues to say, “blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29)

I don’t know about you, but I relate to Thomas a lot more than I’d like to admit. I know of Gods greatness and power, I grew up listening to bible stories on Sunday mornings. Yet, I still find myself asking God “why allow such disaster and chaos?” “why won’t you answer me?” I find myself constantly crushed by the weight of logic. Shootings, bombings, discrimination, and so much more that leaves me waiting for an answer from God… I’m sorry demanding and answer from God. Just like Thomas… Just like the Pharisees. Ouch. So what’s the point in me saying all of this? What’s the answer? Where is God?

The answer is simply that God knows. He knew and he will always know. So, who are we to demand answers. To question him, and question his power and authority. Maybe we cant hear God because were too busy demanding answers. Our questions not only crush our faith, but they limit Gods power in your mind. We keep trying to shove Jesus in this little box while trying to squish all of our big fat questions in there with him. Sorry not sorry to say that God does not and will never fit in that box, so we need to move out of our doubt. Throw that box away and trust in God and his greatness.

Dear reader, I would like to challenge you to step out of the comfort zone of your questions and trust in God. Choose him to take care of the place you find yourself in. Every time you find yourself asking questions about… (you fill in the blank) … Make an effort to remember “God does not fit in my box”

#Questions #Doubts #Boxes