‘But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore were saying to him, ‘We have seen the Lord!’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I shall see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.’” John 20:21-25
“I know too well my own instinctive response to the hiddenness of God, I retaliate by ignoring Him. Like a child who thinks He can hide from adults by holding a chubby hand over his eyes, I try to shut God out of my life. If He won’t reveal Himself to me...why should I acknowledge Him?!”*
The first time I realised how powerful the idea of “hiding” for a child was with my beloved little Matthew. He was perhaps three years old at the time and he actually WOULD hide behind his hand. At first it took me a while to realise the concept from his perspective. So I would walk around and say things like, “oh I wonder where Matthew has gone. I can’t find him!”
“And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. Then the Lord God called to the man and said to him, ‘Where are you?’” Genesis 3:8-9
Yet, like our Heavenly Father, I could see Matthew. I would smile and indulge Matthews “pretend”. My love even intensified for Matthew’s innocence. I wonder how the Father sees our hiding behind our hands from Him?
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, just page back through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!
NEW PRAYER REQUESTS: For Susan in Bulgaria who struggles to provide for her husband and two children. From Kimberly’s Dad yesterday: “Kimberly is home! ‘Weeping may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning’. Thank you so much for your prayers!!! If you wish you can thank for me everybody that prayed for Kimberly through your blog.”
ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS: For Carlton (quadriplegic who has made his living raising honey bees) had his surgery & is now recovering at home.
Do not forget those still struggling after the many natural disasters, especially for the volunteers, in Japan, USA and New Zealand). For Middle Eastern nations dealing with unprecedented internal conflicts. For the rest of the world to stay calm with regard to war, the economy and most of all for those who are believers, to pray and help others have peace during this time.
OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS: For Paul N as he regroups. Help for Cris. Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael.
ONGOING JOB RELATED: That Tim might find satisfying work. Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia. Galdor is still searching. Need a new project to tackle for my work. Working on a new book and pursuing a new publisher in the UK for my other book!
PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: My brother & his wife Barb are doing better. They’ve adjusted David’s meds and he’s improving. Reg for his ministry and patience. Have a new Internet provider.
PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Gwen, a 13-year old with serious headaches. Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (please see her blog at this LINK. (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/) Wisdom for doctors caring for Tim, Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.
*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey
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