Dear Lord; Happy Tuesday Father!
Really God??
I’ve been hearing this quite a lot as of late Father, and I’ll admit I’ve even thought it myself more than once in the recent past. It’s certainly not a query intended out of disrespect Lord, but one usually born of frustration due to trials we, or someone we care about, are going through…
My marriage is falling apart, and my spouse is leaving… Really God??
The job I’ve invested years of hard work and energy in is gone… Really God??
My test results came back and the cancer has returned… Really God??
We’ve run out of money… And I’m not sure what to do… Really God??
My child was born with a serious, incurable disease which threatens to take him from us… Really God??
I feel empty, tired, defeated and sad all the time… Really God??
We all have those moments Father, when we search for the meaning and purpose that only You have; when it feels like the weight of the world sits squarely upon our shoulders, and relief seems to be a distant destination. And in our limited, broken, earthly shells we cry out… Really God??
When I speak to people going through such trials Lord, I always try to offer the hope and encouragement that Your Promises to us bring…
You promise never to leave our sides…
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
You promise that our needs will be met…
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:28-33 (NIV)
You promise that You will ease our burdened souls…
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
And You promise that You will always love us…
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)
Such powerful promises You’ve given to Your Children Father…
In the midst of our struggles, it can be difficult to see the signs of Your love for us through that cloud of pain and fear, but that’s where our Faith carries us on:
Faith that even though we don’t have “The Big Picture” or know why things happen the way they do, You do, and want what’s best for us.
Faith that when we call upon You in our brokenness, You’ll hear our pleas and act on our behalf, whether it’s as we would expect or not.
Faith that when we come to You with a humble and open heart and lay our burdens at Your feet, Your peace and comfort will ease our troubled spirits.
When we rely on our Faith to look beyond the earthly trials we face, and focus on the Blessings and Grace You bring to our lives each day, it begs the question…
Really God?? Thank You!!
Amen.
~Phather Phil
Hi, I’m Phil Malmstrom, a.k.a. Phather Phil. I’m self-employed, father of two wonderful young men, an ordained minister who delights in spreading Jesus’ Message of Hope and Love, a science-fiction junkie, an aspiring photographer and above all that one of God’s Children who rejoices in His Blessings each day. 
Love how you end this, Phil! When we focus on what God’s love accomplished for us on the cross, we will say, “Really God???” His love for us is amazing. And even though we may not always understand, we can be sure that His love will carry us through. Great post!
Thank you Lisa! His love for us truly is amazing, we just need to see past our human condition to experience it!
Have a Blessed Day!
Phil, this is absolutely beautiful! I’m with Lisa on your ending – ties it all up with a gorgeous bow. I may have to borrow the “Really God???” for one of my blogs when applicable; of course, I will refer to the source and share your website.
Blessings and thanks for the inspiration!
Thank you so much Martha! And you may certainly use it if you like… I read your blog last night and very much enjoyed it. 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
Well written Phil! Yes, really!
Thank you Allison! Yes, Really!!
Have a Blessed Day!
Phil,
I think you must have been reading my thoughts! I have been worried lately about money running out and not being able to meet my responsibilities. This is what I needed to hear today. and I should probably open my eyes a little more to see the blessings I have been missings.
Blessings to you Phil.
I’ve been speaking with quite a few folks in difficult situations as of late Kandi, and we’ve had a rough year here as well so when this came into my heart I wanted to get it down in writing to share. I’m so glad it spoke to you!
Have a Blessed Day!
Amazing and encouraging message Phil.
And, oh, did I ever need this one today.
Thank you Debra! 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
Words of wisdom and a very encouraging post. Holding onto the promises of God!
Thank you Jean! Holding on to those truths can be a powerful ally!
Have a Blessed Day!
Wonderful Biblical truths to hang onto in those difficult place in life. That is why for me a relationship with God is so important. I love him for who he is even though I don’t always understand his hand. Loving God for who he is, not what he does. Thats how I get throught those times. great post!
Amen Kelli! Remembering God’s promises to us, and seeing past the turmoil in our lives to focus on the Blessings He delivers can make all the difference in the world!
Have a Blessed Day!
I love how you wrote this! We tend to say “really God?” often, but we should be saying “really God? Thank You!” His promises stand. His is every faithful. Thank you for this reminder!
It’s a different emphasis and perspective to be sure Jenifer, but even in our trials we need to focus on what God brings to us each and every day!
Have a Blessed Day!
Wonderful is all I can say!
Thank you so much Dy! 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
Wow…. seriously, this is awesome stuff! I saw this via YouVersion as I am studying Matthew 6 today. The words you typed were spot on with what my thought process is today. Thanks!
Thank you Dawn, and welcome! Isn’t YouVersion great?? 🙂 I actually have been using the Glo Bible linked into the YouVersion account as of late… Such wonderful content and reference.
Thank you for visiting, and the kind words!
Have a Blessed Day!
Wonderful! An uplifting message that must be shared with others who are weary and asking questions.
Thank you so much! It’s funny, but I actually was originally writing a completely different post and got a “nudge” that I needed to go down this path instead. God is so good!!
Have a Blessed Day!
Thank you for the encouraging words. I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have faith. I am with Jenifer and you, I should say ‘really God, thank you’. What an awesome God we have. Thanks Phil, this was a great post, something I needed.
Blessings to you, Phil.
Thank you so much Deane! It’s amazing how our faith can carry us in times of trouble, and how God’s promises fill those spaces in our lives.
Have a Blessed Day!
Just this afternoon, I was talking with a couple of ladies about Thomas (the young boy who’s just been diagnoses with “germinoma”… I think that’s right) and the comments were much the same. Really God? I had to fight hard for a response; I see things differently now, but in much the way you wrapped up this post, I was quick to give thanks for the faithfulness of God as it pertained to my own life and cancer. God has been incredibly kind and generous with his love for me and my family in this season. I’ve seen his mighty hand of mercy and grace working in me and through me.
God is really that good!
peace`elaine
PS: Thank you for all you and your wife do to minister to other families going through the difficulties of cancer. Out of the love and grace we’ve known, we must give accordingly. Shalom1
Thank you so much Elaine… I pray that Thomas’ condition improves and that all those in turmoil from this illness feel the peace and comfort only Christ can bring.
Have a Blessed Day!
Great post! I’ve found writing down some verses that remind me of God’s promises and having them in a handy place when trials come helps keep my perspective right when normally it would be shifting. Also practicing centering prayer.
This is my first time here. I look forward to reading more of your posts and invite you to visit my blog.
~blessings
Thank you Jessica, and welcome! Finding our strength in the Word can make all the difference in the world. It’s important to remember that no matter what we’re going through, God is bigger than all of it and places these challenges in our path for a reason. 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
This brought me to tears because in my struggles the past almost four years now I think I’ve said that phrase so many times up until this past year. This was the year I finally got what you are saying. And the verses you posted are the ones that helped me get there. I wear a bracelet with “Be Strong & Courageous” stamped on it to always remind me of God’s promises. Thank you for your post.
Thank you Jennifer! Placing our faith in God’s promises to us isn’t always easy when the world seems determined to engulf us, but when we look to His light in that darkness, He’ll faithfully lead us home…
Have a Blessed Day!