Where Is God?

There are times that life gets tough and we get so focused on the obstacles in front of us that we, sadly, forget to seek God’s leading. It often isn’t until we stop and ask God for help that our focus begins to change. We might not even notice the answers until a while after we have passed the situation. We can get frustrated asking where God is in the midst of everything going on. Other times, there may be fear and emptiness and so we think we stand alone. What should we do? I recall so many times in my past, when I had to see a doctor to get stitches or have a dental procedure done, that the numbing agent didn’t seem to work on me. There were many procedures that I questioned my tolerance since everyone else seemed to face these procedures with limited pain. Why didn’t that medicine seem to fail me so often. It wasn’t until about 10 years ago that I discovered that the medicine took longer to become effective in my system. I asked the dentist to give me a shot at least 20 minutes before working on my teeth. I had to sit and wait patiently until it took effect. Did I want to have to wait? Absolutely not. Did I want to proceed without the pain medication working? Definitely not! When I waited patiently on the medication, it brought relief that I didn’t even know was possible. Likewise with the Holy Spirit. We want God to do for us as we wish. Problem is my will is often not God’s will. I remember the disciples arguing about who was greatest and who would sit in a position of prominence in God’s kingdom. Matthew 20, “Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him. "What is it you want?" he asked. She said, "Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom." ... Jesus said to them. "Can you drink the cup I am going to drink (suffer)?" "We can," they answered. Jesus said to them, "You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father." Even the denied disciples couldn’t persuade Jesus to give them what their selfish hearts wanted. God will not forget you. Be patient and stay actively faithful as You wait. Father, I don’t like the feeling that You are not present, but I am even more concerned about not walking by Your will. Amen