When someone speaks against God or the church, we may feel offence or fear. Obviously something important and dear to our hearts is being put down.

Some are quick to respond in defence of God or the faith. These responses may end up in arguments that lead nowhere. The response may be verbal, through writing, or through social media.
There is an internal fear that causes us to respond when someone speaks against God or the church. We fear that God’s name or honor may be defamed. Our own reputation may be on the line due to the attacks.
But why the fear? Could it be a lack of trust in God and his ability to handle his own reputation and that of his church?
I acknowledge the value of apologetics and how it can positively impact young minds that are truly inquisitive and impressionable. But here, I am referring to our personal reactionary response which possibly comes from fear.
The Psalmist has an interesting take on this. He sets the stage where nations and their kings are all set against God. They speak arrogantly against God. For God, it looks like there is trouble on every side, and the odds are stacked against Him.
God’s response is given quite simply and directly. “He who sits in the heavens laughts; the Lord holds them in derision” (Psalm 2:4).
This obviously implies that God sees the taunts and words of his enemies as simply comical. He is not at all worried about his reputation or his kingdom.
I suggest we take God’s approach. When you hear someone speaking against God or his church, let’s take a step back and think twice before responding.
*What do you think? Please leave your response in the comments section of this blog post by clicking here.

It was in Calcutta that the ethicist John Kavanaugh met Mother Teresa at her centre. He came there to spend three months and to get a clear answer regarding his future. When Mother Teresa asked him what she can do for him, he asked for prayer.

At that point, she asked him his request. Happily and longingly he said, “Pray that I have clarity.”

She was quick to reply “No. I will not do that.” Then she said “Clarity is the last thing you are clinging to and must let go of.” Kavanaugh retorted that she seemed to have so much clarity – which is exactly what he wanted in life. But quickly she said, “I have never had clarity; what I have always had is trust. So I will pray that you trust God.*

Trust forfeits control and clarity. We work hard to devise a clear path to the plans we have for our lives. But life seems to ignore our plans and takes a path of its own. It goes completely out of our control. The steering wheel seems to turn on its own will. Then we see our plans in the “rear-view mirror.”

Job was a man who looked in his “rear-view mirror” and saw his plans left behind. Looking ahead, he only saw darkness, gloom, and death. But finally God broke through the darkness from above and gave him a new perspective. God said “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me if you have understanding” (Job 38:4).

He wanted Job to know that even if his life seemed to be completely out of control, God is the creator and holds everything in his hands.

So, what do you see in your “rear-view mirror”? Are your plans lying there all shattered with the broken pieces of your life?” Then when you look ahead what do you see? You don’t even want to think about it? Complete darkness? Now, its time to look up and trust God. He holds everything firmly in his hands.

One thing God asks of you is to trust him with your life: Your career, family, health, and all your dreams for the future.

Would you share what you see in your “rear-view mirror”?

Leave your response in the comments section of this blog post by clicking here.

*This story comes from Brennan Manning’s book Ruthless Trust: The Ragamuffin’s Path to God.

Several years ago we lived in Bangalore for two years. At that time, Shivaji Nagar was the place where we did a lot of our shopping for basic groceries and meat.

Once while purchasing meat I said to the man “give me something lean with less fat.” He looked at me with surprise and said “that’s the best part — why wold you want to remove it?” I said “are you serious? You really prefer the fat?” He patted his stomach with a big smile and said: “Meat is best with plenty of fat in it.”
I walked away with my purchase of lean meat with a bit of surprise. I realized what was of no value to me was of great value to that man at the meat shop. What some people consider a blessing may also be considered a curse for others.
In the book of Job, Elihu recognized this duality in relation to nature and God’s work when he said: “He loads the thick cloud with moisture; the clouds scatter his lightening. They turn around and around by his guidance, to accomplish all that he commands them on the face of the hapitable world. Whether for correction or for his land or for love, he causes it to happen” (Job 37:11-13).
Elihu used rain as an example to explain that God’s work in some people is seen as a curse while others see it as a blessing. Rain may cause havoc in a land with flooding, landslides, and other calamities. This is seen as a curse. Some people say “the gods are angry at us.”
But far away, some farmer may have been waiting for the rain in its due season. For him, it is a blessing. Then I remember the words of Elihu: “Whether for correction or for his land or for love, he causes it to happen.”
Others around you are doing so well, but you feel like life is tearing you to pieces – a confusing place to be in. Maybe you’re wondering if God still remembers you. You’re wondering if God still remembers you. You’ve probably concluded that the “pieces” of your life can never be put back together again. God has a clear and definite plan for your life. To you and to others, life may not seem to be fair, but God is busy working on your life.
You see some good, lots of bad, and you are completely confused. But just remember: “Whether for correction or for …love, he causes it to happen.” You are God’s child and you are still in his plans. He is still working on you. Give him time.
What is God doing in your life right now?
Leave your response in the comments section of this blog post by clicking here.