Post by Josh on Jan 29, 2007 17:33:37 GMT -8
Posted 11/25/06:
A friend once asked me why God can seem so real to some and not to others- why does He seem to hide? He also anticipated that I was probably going to tell him that he wasn't seeking hard enough. Here was my response:
That's not quite the response I would give, actually. I would never say God isn't hiding. I think He both hides and seeks. Why? Far be it from me to attempt a FULL answer of that, but I think I have learned a little bit of the answer. I see that a combination of divine shyness and times when His presence is particularly clear brings out the best in me-- when I have been disciplined enough to be receptive to it.
I know you probably disagree, but I don't think you're completely unable to see Him in things the way I do. But I know sometimes it's awfully hard. But I've found that God is desiring that I learn to trust Him. He does this by indulging my need for His clear presence at times, and then by 'hiding', as it were, at times.
I would say that everyday God is speaking to me/ I am 'seeing Him' in things, but very subtly. And then every so often (much more infrequently: maybe every 2 weeks, month, or at times maybe several months) He shows up in a dramatic way.
I've learned that God doesn't usually respond to ultimatums-- the kind of "God, if You're there, then show up RIGHT NOW!" Now, he has at times indulged me in that way, but for real trust to grow, He can't be at my beck and call in that manner. He's not a tame lion-- He comes and goes at His prerogative, not mine. I'm sure you think that's suspiciously convenient, but perhaps you can admit some wisdom in it from God's perspective?
I have felt this way in the past. I think we have enough evidence to step forward in faith without waiting for some miraculous moment. But, I would say, you've still got to be honest with yourself. If you feel this way, then you feel this way. I would just say leave the door open and don't be closed-
minded, which you also say to me, and I respect that.
A friend once asked me why God can seem so real to some and not to others- why does He seem to hide? He also anticipated that I was probably going to tell him that he wasn't seeking hard enough. Here was my response:
That's not quite the response I would give, actually. I would never say God isn't hiding. I think He both hides and seeks. Why? Far be it from me to attempt a FULL answer of that, but I think I have learned a little bit of the answer. I see that a combination of divine shyness and times when His presence is particularly clear brings out the best in me-- when I have been disciplined enough to be receptive to it.
I know you probably disagree, but I don't think you're completely unable to see Him in things the way I do. But I know sometimes it's awfully hard. But I've found that God is desiring that I learn to trust Him. He does this by indulging my need for His clear presence at times, and then by 'hiding', as it were, at times.
I would say that everyday God is speaking to me/ I am 'seeing Him' in things, but very subtly. And then every so often (much more infrequently: maybe every 2 weeks, month, or at times maybe several months) He shows up in a dramatic way.
I've learned that God doesn't usually respond to ultimatums-- the kind of "God, if You're there, then show up RIGHT NOW!" Now, he has at times indulged me in that way, but for real trust to grow, He can't be at my beck and call in that manner. He's not a tame lion-- He comes and goes at His prerogative, not mine. I'm sure you think that's suspiciously convenient, but perhaps you can admit some wisdom in it from God's perspective?
I have felt this way in the past. I think we have enough evidence to step forward in faith without waiting for some miraculous moment. But, I would say, you've still got to be honest with yourself. If you feel this way, then you feel this way. I would just say leave the door open and don't be closed-
minded, which you also say to me, and I respect that.