When it feels like Jesus didn’t show up
Best I can tell, none of the mountains I’m facing budged so much as a millimeter. Despite my prayers and pleadings, I don’t see a big miracle of deliverance. The mountain still sits in front of me and reminds me how ineffective I am. I never claimed to be righteous apart from Christ but good grief, I have a little faith, some days I even have a lot. In the end, what difference did it make? When it feels like Jesus didn’t show up.
Matthew 17:20b, “For I assure you: if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move?” HCSB
Problem is, I haven’t seen any movement and I’ve been shouting at the mountain at the top of my lungs. But it feels like Jesus didn’t show up.
Ever brave enough to admit you feel that way too?
If only…
Desperate for rescue, I pray. I pray for my circumstances to change, I pray for hearts to change, I pray for God to follow my brilliant plans. Maybe He’s busy, after all it’s a pretty busted up world. If only….
John 11:21, “Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.’” NLT
Yeah, if only… If only Jesus had been there before the death certificate was signed, before the point of no return. Maybe your mountain is like mine, not a physical death, but the grief is indistinguishable. For crying out loud, I think I have a whole mountain range that needs to move. Is the beloved corpse of your life rotting in the grave? If only Jesus would show up, NOW!
Isaiah 55:8, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.” ESV
I don’t know about you, but I need Him now
God’s ways are perfect, much higher than our ways. Jesus never gets in a hurry but He is always on time.
When the time was right,
He came to earth
When the time was right,
He raised the dead
When the time is right,
He will return
When the time is right,
He WILL move that mountain.
Even if….
Until then, be faithful. Be faith full, full of faith. You know, the stuff you can’t see but you hope for anyway.
You see, He specializes in bringing dead things to life.
Dead faith
Dead relationships
Dead dreams and desires
Dead hope
Maybe you think it’s too late. I get it, dead is dead, right? But remember, Martha and Mary thought it was too late, then Jesus showed up.
Lord if only you had been here
Job 23:3, “If only I knew where to find him; if only I could go to his dwelling!” NIV
When it feels like Jesus doesn’t show up maybe He wants us to seek Him, long for Him, and find Him because we are desperate without Him. He wants us to trust Him when we face mountains and reach for His hand in the dark. Pray, fast, cling to the word even if your prayers aren’t answered.
Psalm 34, “If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there; if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath.” MSG
He specializes in bringing dead things to life, but He does it His way, in His time.
When it feels like Jesus didn’t show up, remember He’s there. He’s always there. He’s not hiding, but He wants us to find Him.
Seek Jesus, not solutions #trust Click To TweetEven if He doesn’t show up the way you want….be faithful
My hope is you alone
It is well with my soul
I know you’re able
You’ve been faithful, you’ve been good all my days
I will cling to you come what may
I know the sorrow and the pain would go away if you’d just say the word
Even if you don’t….
~ phrases from “Even if” by Mercy Me
This message brings back so many memories of when I was shouting at some mountains to move, that weren’t budging. All the while Jesus was soooo silent. It is difficult to sit and wait when you know you’ve got an excellent plan in mind, if God would just craft it according to your blueprint! Hang in there. God’s plan is so much more marvelous when He does start moving those mountains. God bless you!
Thanks. It’s good to hear from someone in the other side of the mountain
Thanks for sharing so transparently. May He show up soon.
In His time …
Vickie, I know experientially what it feels like to reach for God’s hand in the dark. I’ve felt the uncomfortableness of the unknown. But I’ve found him faithful to meet me on that dark path.
Thanks so much for encouraging me. It always helps to hear from someone who has been there. Yes He is faithful!
Ok, I just bought Even If on iTunes and have played it until my phone is threatening to turn off. Between the song and your blog post, I’m wondering if maybe, just maybe, God is saying something to me. 😉
Yes, the words to that song speak so loudly to me. I will praise Him no matter what. Bless you