pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: doubt


by Leave a comment

The Servant of the Lord

In the midst of her confusion and perplexity, the angel Gabriel assures Mary with these words: “Nothing will be impossible with God.”  He focuses her in on this fact and she finds calm and determination as she sets herself for the task at hand.

For myself, and possibly for you, I want to live my life like I believe these words fully.  But at times I struggle to completely do so.  I can get in the way when I think I have the plan when God really does.  I can doubt when faced with wrenching tragedy when I can’t even begin to fathom how God is at work in the midst of it all.  Yet deep in my heart and soul, I know He has the plan and He is in the midst of the pain.

The possibility of these words keeps drawing me back to God.  We are drawn back because the truth is in these words.  The truth is echoed in Psalm 31:3 – “You are my rock and my fortress; for Your name’s sake You lead and guide me.”  Deep in our hearts we know that God can do anything.

Our challenge is to live out Mary’s words each day of our lives: “Here I am, the servant of the Lord; let it be according to your word.”

Scripture reference: Luke 1: 31-38


by Leave a comment

He IS for Us!

“If God is for us, who can be against us?”  This question is really more of a statement, isn’t it?  Although Paul does not write it, it is almost implied that nothing else matters if God is on our side.  In eternal terms it is so true.  To God it is absolutely true.  But in our human terms, it is so hard to believe this absolutely and to live it out continually.

As we are all imperfect, we all fall short of the glory of God at times.  OK, often.  At times we all knowingly sin.  OK, often.  In times of hardship, fear, loss, stress, illness, pain… we can lost sight of our foundation and relationship with God or even question Him.  We can even become angry or resentful toward God.  In our human hearts and minds, we can fail to draw upon the only one who truly matters, our Lord and King.

But then He nudges us.  His Spirit stirs in our hearts or His still, small voice whispers in our ear.  We remember the words etched in our hearts – “in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us”.  And we remember that these things are just things – small in comparison to God.  He draws near to us as we draw near to Him.  And again we know that He is for us!

Scripture reference: Romans 8: 31-37


by Leave a comment

From Doubt to Love

Have you ever been a second late to a really funny happening at work or at home?  Have you ever looked away from the game at just the moment the ‘big play’ happens?  The laughter or cheers draws you to the fact that you just missed it.  Then you want ‘instant replay’, right?

Oh doubting Thomas!!  Thomas is the first one to be called to believe in the risen Lord on faith alone – without seeing Jesus.  I don’t think Thomas thought all the others were lying to him, he too wanted to see Jesus for himself.  Can you blame him?

Jesus again appears to the disciples and this time Thomas is there.  And Jesus, ever the same, meets Thomas where he is at and offers him just what he needs.  As always, no judging or condemnation.  Oh loving Jesus!!

We relate to Thomas, often wrestling with doubt, often questioning.  That is natural.  It is good for our faith.  We relate to Jesus too, but if you are like me, could do so more often.  Jesus simply offered what was needed to the one before Him.  He calls us to do the same.