Monday Morning Theologian - Is God is Here? Does God Care?

"If you are out there, God, give me a sign!"  I've said that.  Have you ever said something like that?  We I like to know God, whoever that might be, on our my own terms.  Even if we I say that we believe in God, how many of us would say that how much or how little we believe in God depends on how well things go our way?

"God, if you get me out of this (fill in the blank), I will (fill in the blank)."

That's me.  If God were out there as the Bible teaches, then certainly my kids will be healthy, I'll have job security, and there will be plenty of blessings of obedience.  After all, I made sure I got the kids and me to church (8 am service no less!) even with Darling Bride staying home not feeling well.

On the other hand, we in Scriptures such as Isaiah 64, that God is about the business "not to get us out of jams but to spread his fame among the nations."  In other words, God wants us to know and trust Him because He does care for us.  He demonstrates this by earth-shaking acts, fatherly discipline, and sure promises.

If God can perform earth-shaking acts, why does He not do them each time we ask?

Because I am more concerned about my own agenda.  For example, I fear loss - of job, health, reputation, family, you name it.  So I want God to protect me from loss.

But perhaps God wants me to learn patience and trust, so He ordains uncertainty and times of wait.  We learn to trust by waiting and persevering through trial.  As it turns out, most of my trials are by my own making.

We do not wait in vain.  Just as God promised deliverance to ancient Israel, God promises deliverance to me, and us, today.  God does it by displaying his most glorious earth-shaking act, resurrecting Jesus from the dead.

My take-away this week is that I would be patient, that I would face my fears of hardships, pain, and loss.  If I do, I would then be conformed to the image of God's Son.

On Monday mornings, I consider my walk with God via His Son Jesus Christ.  Usually, the food for thought is the Sunday sermon, looking for any take-aways to act upon.  


On March 4, 2012, Collin Hansen of The Gospel Coalition, www.thegospelcoalition.org preached "God is There, and He Cares" from Isaiah 64:

Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains might quake at your presence - as when the fire kindles brushwood and the fire causes water to boil - to make your name known among your adversaries... (ESV)