Life is hard at times. It isn’t very encouraging. Are you having a bad day? You may be experiencing a month of problems. But, on the other hand, your sadness could be longer, even years.
The prayers you utter seem to bounce off the ceiling. It looks like God doesn’t hear, or He is tuning you out. The Almighty doesn’t seem to be almighty anymore.
In your hurt and disappointment, you give up on God thinking he doesn’t care or love you anymore. He hasn’t answered your prayers lately. In your frustration, God, church, and Christians are off limits.
Others have been there. God, in his honesty, recorded some disappointed people in the Bible. Elijah comes to mind after calling down fire from heaven; he ran to the backside of the desert and wanted to die (I Kings 19:3,4).
Mary and Martha were sad because Jesus didn’t show up when they wanted him to. Consequently, their brother Lazarus died. But, when Jesus arrived, events changed. Lazarus lived again.
Peter, one of the twelve disciples, lost hope after the Lord’s crucifixion and resurrection. Peter went fishing, his previous vocation. He felt alone, though other disciples went with him.
God used the Apostle John, to author the book of John, and First, Second, and Third John. Then, he was exiled to the island of Patmos to silence him. But, God had other plans. So, the Lord used John to pen the Book of Revelation as an old man.
In the darkest of times, when you feel all alone, you are not alone. Friends, family, and fellow believers may not be beside you, but you’re not alone. Jesus is with you. Turn and look with curious, searching eyes; he’s there. The Holy Spirit will help you see him. God follows you everywhere you go. He’s there always, whether you recognize him or not. He promised never to leave or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8, I Kings 8:57, Matthew 28:20). His promise is true. Always.
