But What?
Surely the most profound act of love was when God Almighty became flesh, only to die that we might have life. That love is the gospel. The Good News.
But…
It’s embarrassing to admit, but there’s often a but…
“But why did you…?”
“But why didn’t you….”
“If You loved me surely You would have…”
“If You loved me You wouldn’t have allowed…”
What’s your but? What circumstances are casting a shadow over His care? What’s happening (or not happening…) that you’re sure you’ve been abandoned? How do you answer, “I know God loves me but…”?
I know …. but I don’t KNOW.
“Love is not something God has which may grow or diminish or cease to be. His love is the way God is.” A.W. Tozer, Knowledge of the Holy
The unpredictability of life is unnerving. Friends and family disappoint us. Our bodies betray us. Scandals and disasters surround us. What we believed to be reliable proved not, and what we thought was stable disappeared. Heartache abounds.
Is it no wonder we are tempted to believe God’s love is fickle too? Unpredictable. Here today but gone when we need it.
But far beyond a personality trait, His Word tells us love is who God is. Like your blue eyes or the distinguishing mole on your right brow, love is part of God’s construction. His Being. Unlike most, His love never fails. It’s stable, reliable, immutable.
Does that mean we can predict how He will choose to manifest His love? Absolutely not. Consider the Israelites. He let them wander for 40 years. Many felt they’d been abandoned. “Why have You left us in the wilderness to die?!” Feel familiar? Why…??? Or consider He made Abraham wait a century to have a child. And allowed His disciples to be martyred by death. Loving? Really?
It must be, because God is love. He can’t be unloving.
Can this world be unloving? Certainly. Clearly. Constantly. And because He has allowed His children choice—free will—we are all regularly impacted by others’ lack of love.
Then we blame God.
A grief-stricken man shared his heartache over the premature death of his son. An avid athlete, he was hit by a car while riding his bicycle. Killed instantly. The cause? The driver was distracted on her cell phone. The devastated father blames God. He deeply doubts His love. Why? Because a woman chose to multi-task behind the wheel.
What circumstances cause you to question God’s care for you?
The loss of a job?
Loss of a relationship?
Loss of your home? Possessions? Dreams?
Is it really a reflection of God’s vacillating affection, or is it simply the way of this cursed world?
Ingesting God’s love takes time. It’s really no different than a human relationship in that it grows, deepens, becomes more sure, satisfying and safe, the longer you linger.
As you spend time in His Word - share your heart in faith through prayer - and watch Him work by opening and closing doors, you begin to see His Spirit. Feel His presence. Then finally one day you KNOW.
And when you KNOW God loves you - that He never leaves nor forsakes you - that He is with you wherever you go - then it becomes natural to bow before Him - to seek His guidance and cling to His strength and count on His care.
And slowly but surely the buts disappear.
Song: He Can Work it Out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFciA8at32E
Scriptures:
“The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness,…” Exodus 34:6
“God is love.” I John 4:8
“Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, ”The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:5-6
You are my servant, ____ (your name here), I have chosen you and not cast you off; fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:9-10
Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
Simmer: What is your but? What makes you doubt God’s presence? Have you told Him your concerns? Cast all your cares on Him, knowing He cares for you? Do you believe all things work together for good? Are you willing to wait?