I squirmed in my chair and twirled my coffee cup on the cafe table. I crossed my legs. Looked every else but not at him. I needed to gather my thoughts. No words were coming out right. I said a silent prayer, "God give me Your words now. Tell me what You want me to say at this moment."
Nothing.
Not even a fluttering in my stomach or quicken beat of my heart.
Just silence and stillness.
I looked at him, grappling for words, said a few more, his eyebrows raised, questioning. God, this isn't coming out right at all! Why can't You just tell me what I need to say, make me sound logical, place my mixed emotions in logical thoughts to be formed into words so I can understand. And then share my understanding.
Why am I struggling now? I questioned. I had this all figured out just hours ago!
Then came a flashing thought.
Am I solving this problem of mine the world way or His way?
Recently, a local radio station questioned listeners, "What makes a mature Christian?" One caller's testimony caught my attention. I pulled over, took out my note-pad and paraphrased what he said.
"As I walk in faith, when I reach challenges and problems I need to do it God's way, the way Jesus taught us. This isn't always the world's way and it is often met with resistance and each time I pass an obstacle another comes that is more challenging and met with higher resistance. Doing it God's way is harder and not logical. But He lights my path, gives me my words."
He lights my path. He gives me my words.
I looked up, straightened my shoulders and locked eyes with his.
"Umm...I don't...," I stuttered. Yikes....I thought I had the words. Where did they go?
Then he reached across the table, touching my fingers that gripped my coffee cup. "You don't have to explain," he said. "Our ways want an explanation but God just wants us to follow Him faithfully doing through our hearts where words do not lie. I don't need a logical explanation. I trust God is working His way in both of us and this is where He wants us right now."
Wow. He had the words! I just needed to listen.
Colossians 2:8-10
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.
For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.
Are you one to logically search for an answer or are you okay with just not knowing the whys?
16 comments:
I usually like an answer... but sometimes I just need to go with my gut! Wonderful post full of wisdom, Lynn.
This is such a timely post for me, since I'm getting back into school. Nothing feels more foolish than going God's way in university - but foolishness for who? Like Paul, I aim to want to be God's fool more than any high-ranking position of this world. Unlike Paul, I'm not quite there yet.
Wonderful post. :)
I like answers! LOL. I'm just not one to enjoy suspense. Learning to trust is not something that comes naturally for me. Thanks for sharing!
If a person had to have an answer for for everthing you would spend all your time searching often not finding the answer. Living by faith is easier than having the answers just like living by expectancy knowing God knows best and has a plan vs living with expectation then being disappointed when things do not turn out as planned.
I'm okay with not knowing the whys - I know God's got it all under control and I just need to trust Him. Sometimes that's hard, but it's also very comforting to leave it in His hands and know I don't have to have the answers for everything.
I like to know the answers, but sometimes I have to deal with the not knowing whys and be patient. ;)
I tend to look for logic but I am also fine with not having all the answers when things just feel right and I sense God's hand in them.
Lee
Tossing It Out
Love this. I usually try to look for a logical answer, but then I get reminders from God not to and I'm satisfied. I guess it just goes in our human nature to seek things the world's way first until we stop and really listen to Him.
I think I do both--logically look for the answer but also listen to my gut instincts as well.
:)
I am actually really good at moving forward without knowing the why of something. As long as I feel good about it deep down. (Like you said, as long as it's His way, and I know it). That's enough of a reason.
Beautiful thoughts.
When I feel a need for answers, I remember how God answered Job--with a voice in a whirlwind. In other words, his reasons are often more vast than we can entirely comprehend. We have to trust that he's working all things together for good.
I have a hard time getting answers, I guess I just need to listen more.
Very cool that he had the words!!! I agree about listening and doing things God's way. Good post!
This was truly beautiful, Lynn! Thank you for sharing it! ... I confess that I like answers! All lined up and neatly organized. God, for all that He exhorts decency and order, seems to prefer to keep things relatively chaotic. I guess it's because otherwise I would think I could handle life on my own!
I like answers and also like to try to do things myself. I am learning that God wants me to rely on Him more.
Love your new look! :)
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