May 24

Written by Bill Grandi on May 24th, 2021

This is a continuation of my previous post. Not the topic but the whole “flood of ideas” which overtook me.  This is another thought which assailed me that morning.

I’m sure you have noticed as I have that God often gets a bad wrap. When things go bad or get tough…blame God. It is not unusual for people’s anger toward their lot in life, circumstances, or even consequences from choices, be directed toward God.

I’ve been doing a lot of reading about deconstruction lately. For the uninitiated, that is the term used for someone who dismantles, i.e. deconstructs their faith. There are many triggers but one of them is the seeming absence of God during tough times. I’ve had someone recently tell me they were angry at God because of unanswered prayer.

I’ve struggled with that myself but thankfully never got so angry or bitter I turned my back on God or doubted His love or sovereignty. Struggles are a fact of life but never think that the hard things are “failures of God’s character, promises, power, or plan.” (Tripp-p.42)

I, personally, keep reminding myself that God is the stable one, not me! 🙂 God’s grace to me is real and powerful and present just not always when I want. And certainly not when I “feel” it because He is there despite my feelings.

Deconstructing because of feelings is not solid, because feelings are so fluid. Hold on to that which does not waver-the truth of God’s Word and the character of a grace-giving God.

“Father, You are a solid rock. Unmoveable, even despite the strongest storm. Help me to trust in You.”

 

6 Comments so far ↓

  1. Ryan S says:

    I will admit that I have struggled with this myself. Allowing my feelings of the moment to dictate my thoughts about God. Allowing the circumstances of my own choices and that of the the fallen world around me to taint my view on who God is.
    Intellectually, I can come to an understanding… but I can’t deny that my emotional side gets twisted into thinking that God is to blame, or at least should step in and fix it, after all I prayed my panic prayer.

    As a father of three young adults, what type of father would I have been if I would have fixed every problem or removed all consequences from every bad decision.

    Bottom line for me is that God is the perfect Father and is teaching me through the, what seem like, impossible moments.

    I just have to trust the process and not get overwhelmed in the circumstance and know that God has my best interest in mind… especially when it comes to my eternal well-being.

    • Bill Grandi says:

      That last sentence is so true Ryan. Trust His process and know He has our best interest in mind. I will have to rest in that.

  2. Our feelings at any given time are NOT reliable, Bill, that’s for sure. We need to trust in God, especially in times of trial, trouble or unanswered (seemingly) prayer. He will come through in the end.
    Blessings!

    • Bill Grandi says:

      So correct Martha. if we could somehow just stuff our feelings into the “unreliable bag” we would most definitely be better off.

  3. Ed says:

    I’ve often felt lost during challenging times with my faith, but I’ve never torn it apart. I’ve always had in the back of my mind that God is ALWAYS in control