The Faith To Ask For Directions

Where was God?  This is the most commonly asked question when something bad happens.  

Where was God when I had a miscarriage?
Where was God when her husband left her?
Where was God when that young mother dies of cancer?
Where was God when that candidate won the election?
Where is God in all this crazy hatred in the world?

I am currently doing a study on the history of the early church.  It is a study of how the church established itself after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus.  Here is what I am learning as I really study the scriptures.  When I look past the miracles and gifts of the Spirit, I see a darker story.

The church actually grew through persecution.  When people had to flee their country of face certain death for being a Christian the gospel spread to new lands.  When people stood firm in their faith at the cost of being beheading, or shouted to God to forgive the crowd as they were being stoned to death, a statement was made.  My God is bigger than the evils of this world.  Wasn't that the point of the cross.  To proclaim once and for all that evil could not, would not, conquer good.  As a result the gospels spread and many believed.

So where is God now?  In a crazy world of genocide and racism and power hungry leaders.  A world where a dollar is more important than a life and being right is more important than love?  Where is God?

He is in each story of triumph that builds hope in the oppressed.  He is in each hand that reaches out to help the poor and sick.  He is in each word that says I will not lash out when I don't agree but I will lean in and listen and try to help.  He is in generosity.  He is in each act of love.

Loving in hostile times can be hard.  Overcoming affliction with hope can be daunting.  I like how Moses handled it in Psalm 90.  As his nation was sinning against God he talked to God.  He pleaded with God for help, he asked God to fill him up with joy and love, and then he ends the prayer asking for God to establish the work of his hands.  He didn't know what to do so he asked God for direction.

Good idea Moses.  Good idea.

Psalm 90:13-17 NIV (A prayer of Moses, man of God)
Relent, Lord! How long will it be?
Have compassion on your servants.
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
for as many years as we have seen trouble.
May your deeds be shown to your servants,
your splendor to their children.
May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us;
establish the work of our hands for us--
yes, establish the work of our hands.

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