Friday, July 20, 2012

We believe...

I collapsed into my seat, preparing to endure the final leg of the journey from Amsterdam to Entebbe. I was pulling out my reading material and iPod when a gentleman wearing a fedora gave me the look – you know the one...politely informing me my seat buddy had arrived. He stored his guitar as I stood up to let him pass. “Hi I’m Richard.” Several hours later, I would finally pick up my book. You see, some conversations are just worth the having.

Richard, a hospice doctor by choice – a believer by faith. He shared his stories until I was utterly convinced he had the hardest job on the planet. Through his stories I met a 32-year-old patient and mother of 4 whom he said good-bye before he boarded the plane because she would not endure the 2 weeks he would be in Uganda. Cancer would take her life.

Reconcile that with a good God.

And so ensued the conversation. He wasn’t angry with God or even living in a place of grave doubt. He was merely wrestling. I didn’t pretend to possess the answers...instead I simply accepted the invitation to jump in the ring. And so we wrestled...a brother and sister in Christ discussing what we’ve seen...experienced...felt... As the minute hand repeatedly marched past 12...tears and laughter filled the space.

“Thanks for the conversation. You are very passionate and your faith is both inspiring and encouraging.”

"Your words are very kind" I said..."That’s only because I’m speaking from place of a heart reconciled with a good God. But can I let you in on a secret? I had to endure some very dark valleys before I was ever ready to consider the view from the mountain top."

Since returning stateside - I've pondered how to conclude this blog, initially authored during one of my first jet lagged nights in Uganda.

I've asked myself...despite tragedy or triumph...why am I now finally able to accept that God is good regardless of the outcome of the circumstance. (because if we get to the heart of the matter - our belief in whether or not God is actually good is often the underlying issue)

I believe in miracles - full fledged, infused by the power of the Holy Spirit, unexplainable in the natural realm...miracles. I KNOW my God is able. Quite frankly I've experienced too much of the unexplainable and heard far too many God inspired testimonies not to believe. Not to mention the fact that I take the Word of God at face value and you don't have to read very far to find everything from turning water into wine...parting the Red Sea...healing the sick and raising the dead. Yes...I believe in miracles. My God is able.

So what do we do when the sea continues to rage...our water remains mere water and our sick succumb to death? The place of tragedy - the *unanswered* prayer. What do we do then?

To risk sounding trite...

We believe.

We believe that His purposes are greater than what we can see. We believe that He works ALL things out for good. We believe in His eternal plan not only our momentary earthly experiences. Now this doesn't mean that we don't mourn...good grief we mourn, even Jesus wept when Lazarus died. But we believe.

But it is this belief that is often only solidified in the valley...during the storm...when our faith is actually tested.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21


After The Rain, Artwork by Kendra Baird

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4

When these truths collide...something beautiful happens. When we realize that His purposes are greater than what we will ever understand this side of heaven, yet we know those purposes are good....

WE BELIEVE