The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our
faith!"
(Luke 17:5 NIV)
The cry of the apostles sums up my petition for myself these
days. I need faith. Sometimes it is hard to believe God is good. Often life
confuses and obscures what I think I want or need. Sometimes life feels
downright unfair. Dark and gloomy doubts begin to whisper to me. And I begin to
believe God doesn’t care after all.
This quote caused me to pause and think more deeply about
God:
God is subtle, but he is not malicious.
(Albert Einstein)
I am still mulling it over. It is obvious that God is not
malicious, but how often my griping and complaining cloaks my fear that God may
be ambivalent. To think of God as subtle brings me strange comfort.
When I make requests of God, I expect answers, because He
promises them. But sometimes, the answers are nuanced in ways that leave
me raw and wondering. Other times, I get it. I feel like I hear Him directing
and saying, “That’s it! Go that way! You’re listening now!” But either way, He
is present. And He wants me to know, He is near. He is with us.
A conversation with God can ignite a lot of questions.
Crackling like a campfire, talking with God sets into motion more mystery than
I can bear at times. I have to step away from Him, just like when I stand too
near the blazing bonfire on a summer night to get some relief from the heat.
As the fire burns down, I move closer again and I’m
comforted in the presence of the glowing embers. The sparks sputter into the
sky, and I wonder whether God catches them in the dark. In the dark, our faith
grows into more faith, settling our hearts with His warm embrace.
Spirit of God, spark our faith, hope and love into new action each day.
Fill our lives with wonder and awe in your presence . . . (Roman Catholic)
In what ways do you experience God as subtle?
I need faith too! I love the thought that God is subtle. He is always near, he whispers to us, he gives us free will, he does not force....yes, God is subtle, he loves us with a grace-filled love that is there, always there...subtle...yes!
ReplyDeleteKelly- I never even thought of God as subtle before, but it makes so much sense and helps me understand Him little better :)
DeleteFirst of all, I'm going to have to go look up the word 'subtle'. Smile... and then think about that question.
ReplyDeleteI say, 'Amen!' to the prayer. Yes, Holy Spirit--ignite us!
Your words are a joy to read, Kel.
Jody- Great idea to look up the definition! Thanks for your encouragement here and over at Three Way Light.
DeleteMaranatha! Come Lord Jesus Come!
Hi Kel, just stopping by to say how delightful your blog is. Thanks so much for sharing. I have recently found your blog and am now following you, and will visit often. Please stop by my blog and perhaps you would like to follow me also. Have a wonderful day. Hugs, Chris
ReplyDeletehttp://chelencarter-retiredandlovingit.blogspot.ca/
Thanks Chris for your kind words and for following. I enjoyed reading about your adventures!
DeleteI think God can be subtle... but also this world is pretty "noisy" and hard sometimes for me to hear. That's when I have to take Him at His word, though everything around may still look unchanged by my prayers, and keep thanking Him. Some of those prayers (for others I pray to know Him, for example) have taken so many years, but along the way I've seen little moments of affirmation that He is working... don't give up, Kel. He adds His faith to our mustard seed... :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Pam! Yes our faith originates in Him and He is the one who can increase it...I appreciate the encouragement...and my hope is in HIM! Even if nothing changes, I know that God loves me and does indeed care...thanks for your words and affirmation that God is working behind the scenes :)
DeleteBeen thinking of you and praying, Kel... Sending blessings your way! :)~ Pam, apples of gold
ReplyDelete