This past Friday was Good Friday and I went to a 7 Last Words service with my brother. It's become a tradition and is something that I look forward to and really enjoy.
This year the messages were about a 6 out of 10, I suppose, but one message stood out to both of us as a 10+.
This minister preached the 5th word -- Father, Father, why hast thou forsaken me?
I've heard it preached before, of course, but never like it was preached this night.
The minister began by stating that the devil was no longer his problem -- God was. And he said that sometimes, God gets on his nerves.
Well, the church girl in me wanted to clutch my pearls and run out of the building before lightening struck. But I didn't run. I listened. And what this man said was nothing but the absolute truth.
He said that there are times when God asks us to do something or say something -- or not do something or say something -- that is completely contrary to our own wishes.
"Why do I have to go there, God? Can I just stay home? "
"Why do I have to forgive him, God? He was the wrong one!"
"Why do I have to speak to her, God? She hurt my feelings..."
The list could go on, but I think you get the picture.
Sometimes the demands of God are difficult, uncomfortable and can get on your nerves.
The minister went on to say that it is during these times that we have to trust a God that we cannot trace. Easier said than done, but God never promised us a rose garden. He just said that He'd help us endure the thorns.
This year the messages were about a 6 out of 10, I suppose, but one message stood out to both of us as a 10+.
This minister preached the 5th word -- Father, Father, why hast thou forsaken me?
I've heard it preached before, of course, but never like it was preached this night.
The minister began by stating that the devil was no longer his problem -- God was. And he said that sometimes, God gets on his nerves.
Well, the church girl in me wanted to clutch my pearls and run out of the building before lightening struck. But I didn't run. I listened. And what this man said was nothing but the absolute truth.
He said that there are times when God asks us to do something or say something -- or not do something or say something -- that is completely contrary to our own wishes.
"Why do I have to go there, God? Can I just stay home? "
"Why do I have to forgive him, God? He was the wrong one!"
"Why do I have to speak to her, God? She hurt my feelings..."
The list could go on, but I think you get the picture.
Sometimes the demands of God are difficult, uncomfortable and can get on your nerves.
The minister went on to say that it is during these times that we have to trust a God that we cannot trace. Easier said than done, but God never promised us a rose garden. He just said that He'd help us endure the thorns.
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