Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.

Hi, my name is Brooke, and I’ve been a believer for 27 years. On multiple occasions, I have questioned my faith and God’s existence.

Whew! Okay, now that I’ve confessed how imperfect a Christian I am, let’s talk about this.

If you are reading this and have ever found yourself in the same place of questioning, please raise your hand. I’m going to assume that your hand is raised. Not because I think you have a weak spiritual life, but because I know how many other Christians I have talked with who have been in this place at some point.

When hard times come, it is easy to start wondering why God allows these things. Where is He when we are crying out to Him? Why aren’t we seeing answers to our pleas? Why are others being blessed while we are being crushed? It doesn’t always happen immediately. Often, in a battle, we start out full of hope and faith, but as the fight goes on, our faith begins to fade. We start to wonder if God has just left us, or if He was ever there in the first place. Maybe you’re reading this, thinking how awful I am for even suggesting this, because no way would you ever question God. And maybe you won’t. But I’ve said the same thing, and then in the darkest pits of my daughter’s hospital room began many prayers with “God, if you’re even real.”

I’m not proud of it, but I can tell you that as I have wrestled with God in these times, He has met me with grace and mercy. He has allowed me to wrestle and, in that, reminded me of His faithfulness so many times before. When I wonder how/why He would let me walk through darkness and difficulty, He also reminds me of the times I’ve seen Him work absolute miracles in my life that couldn’t be explained any other way than His power.

In chapter 77, Asaph is in distress. He’s asking the questions, feeling abandoned by God. Then in verses 11-12, he says, “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.”

Asaph’s perspective shifts. From his despair to God’s previous work and faithfulness. When we shift our eyes from our distress to God’s deliverance, we start to come out of the pit. It will probably be a slow climb, but if we fix our hearts on His faithfulness, He will pull us out.

I have to remind myself that if God was good and faithful in the times I’ve seen Him work miracles, heal, deliver, move mountains and part waters; then He is still good and faithful in our distress. He’s the same God in the fields of plenty as He is when our hands are empty.

So, when you face hard times, it is absolutely okay to wrestle and ask questions. But remembering God’s faithfulness to us in the past will help keep our focus on Him and off our despair until He pulls us out of the pit.

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God’s Word.

• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage?
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises?
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you?
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.

FALL AT VENTURE

KXP, MVMNT, The Gathering, House Church, and Care Groups are all starting back this fall! You can check the Fall at Venture webpage for launch dates and events happening this fall at Venture.