When God Seems Distant

I had extensive bone surgery early one morning. I suggested to my wife to go home to rest. She hesitated, but with my encouragement, she left. I felt lonely and deserted as my pain was increasing throughout that night. I missed my wife's physical presence and felt like God was also absent. God says, “Know that I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you” (Genesis 28:15, NIV). In the darkened room, I felt that God was assuring him of his faith to as he felt God's presence in his life. The Holy Spirit provided me with a sense of security and comfort, and I drifted off to sleep. God's holy presence came without physical sight, sound, or feelings. God honoured my small step of walking by faith. 

Indeed, God says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze” (Isaiah 43:2, NIV). By this, God continued to encourage my faith through times of pain, sorrow, financial insecurity, temptations, and other trials of normal living.

Today, as a silver– haired Christian, I still struggle to depend on faith instead of my feelings; yet, I trust God during my trials; to praise God when in pain; and to surrender myself to God when life brings suffering.

Profile Background:
Jack E. Albright, (Kansas – U.S.A.), Upper Room Ministries

Prayer Response to this featured article:
Do pray for God to assure us that He is never distant from our lives. Do pray for our faith to grow stronger through spiritual exercise we do, especially those recovering after surgery.

(Written by Jack E. Albright, (Kansas – U.S.A.) the unrecalled date/year of published time from Upper Room Ministries)

 

The Cost of Kindness

On a busy Sunday, I was eager to get home after evening Bible study. I found a place in my favourite armchair where I could relax with a book to read. The reading she read had focused on practical Christianity where it says, “If you really love your neighbour, you'll serve even when it doesn't suit you,” the speaker had said; and she had nodded in agreement. As I was at home with my husband, a doorbell rang. A guest from nearby town had brought us a message and seemed keen to come in from the cold. The couple offered the caller a quick smile. So, the man began a conversation with my husband and soon the visitor had settled into an armchair. I had a thought to offer him said, “If she given him a cup of coffee he would stay the whole evening” and just when I did, the guest responded, “Oh, yes please” and the guest did stay late into the night. Just as the Scriptures said, “Let me bring a little bread that you may refresh yourselves” (Genesis 18:5, NIV) indeed, Abraham brought food for his visitors. And, He gave them food to eat and drink. “Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared” (Genesis 18:8, NIV). Abraham did so most generously, just when he had settled down to rest. God prepares us to feed on food that He given us.

In the night when I was reading, I felt that I needed to confess my lack of love and ask God to give me another opportunity soon to care for someone when it is inconvenient.

Truly, we accept His Word that can nourish our body and soul of our lives. Just as Jesus said, “I was hungry and you fed me, thirsty and you gave me a drink” (Matthew 25:35, NIV). By this, we offer food to people so that we can welcome them into our midst. “Love your neighbour as you love yourself.” (Matthew 22:39, NIV)

In hospitality, we invite others to share pleasure with us. We receive people as they are.

Profile Background:
Elaine Brown – (Perthshire, Scotland), Upper Room Ministries

Prayer Response to this featured article:
Do pray that we become sensitive to people needs to whom’ needs to hear the gospel through receiving our hospitality today;