God Is NOT Life!

“And Jesus seeing their faith, said to the paralytic, ‘My son, your sins are forgiven.’ But there were some of the scribes sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, ‘Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming; who can forgive sins but God alone?

“And immediately Jesus aware in His spirit that they were reasoning that way within themselves, said to them, ‘Why are you reasoning about these things in your hearts? Which is easier to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven’; or to say, ‘Arise and take up your pallet and walk?’” Mark 2:5-9

As Philip Yancy researched his book, he interviewed many. One particular, Job-like man, called Douglas held the key.. When asked the question about disappointment with God, he answered,

“’To tell you the truth, Philip, I didn’t feel any disappointment with God. The reason is, I learned, not to confuse God with life. I’m no stoic. I am upset about what happened to me as anyone could be. I feel free to curse the unfairness of life and to vent all my grief and anger. But I believe God feels the same way about the accident – grieved and angry. I don’t blame Him for what happened.

“‘I have learned to see beyond the physical reality of this world to the spiritual reality. We tend to think, life should be fair because God is fair. But God is not life. And if I confuse God with the physical reality of life- by expecting constant good health, for example – then I set myself for a crashing disappointment.

“But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The lord is NOT slow about His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” II Peter 3:8-9

Trusting God to know His plan for our world and for us, is a life-long quest.

Take care with love, especially His! Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?

For any of you who wonder if prayer is worth taking time for, you might just page back through previous prayer requests and see the hand of our loving Father in action! Also for any of you who noticed my absence last week, I had a few challenges that kept me from here. Thank you for your extra prayers.

NEW PRAYER REQUEST: For those in Queensland as they struggle through this Category 5 Cyclone. Those still dealing with the devastation of the floods here. For Adrian who was in Ipswitch, one of the hardest hit by floods – he’s lost his home and has been seriously ill. Jim and Elaine as they search for a new direction. For me as I search for lost papers.

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS: Please continue to pray for those in & around Christchurch NZ after the earthquakes. Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. Randy (unexpected life changes). For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son). Michael.

ONGOING JOB RELATED: That Tim might also find satisfying work. Galdor needs the right job, not just a job.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: Reg for his ministry and his patience. Jo has work now to help with those affected by the earthquakes in NZ. My friend’s wedding will proceed. Sue, is making slow progress against paraneoplastic syndrome. David (great health now!). Nancy, continues to progress well. Earl grows stronger every day now! The other Nancy is doing well against her cancer.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (please see her blog at this LINK. (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/) Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.



*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey