Nougat 16

Today’s Holy Nougat requires slow chewing for many of us. May it be digested at the right pace and time.

“Why do you contend against Him that He does not answer all His words.” Job‬ ‭33:13‬ ‭TLV‬‬. “So why are you bringing a charge against him? Why say he does not respond to people’s complaints?” Job 33:13 NLT

Although I am sure we all figured it out; the ‘Him’ referred to is God; and the comment is directed towards Job by his friend. While I recognize that what Job’s friends said to him may have bitter roots in jealousy; much of what that said is a worthwhile chew.

Just think; some people have concluded that God doesn’t hear our prayers; that if we or others pray for anything concerning us it’s a negative answer. I’ve been there. Maybe some of us landed there when, for whatever reason, God’s response to our prayer resulted in our disappointment. I tell you from personal experience, spiritual disappointment is not an easy thing to process.

Consider the disciples. Instead of overthrowing the Roman government and their constituent heads; rather than settling the issue once and for all with Jewish theologians; Jesus chose the Cross. It made No sense from their perspective. Especially not after using signs and wonders to prove His divine identity. But, He chose the Cross and all that came with it: abuse, suffering and death. And, on that Saturday, truly that’s ALL there was. Dejected, they saw a horrifying future.

But Death was not the Final Answer!

Rather, it was part of the answer. Had Jesus’ story ended there; it would have been totally Incomplete. For it is Only After Death that His (Jesus’) resurrection was possible. And with Jesus’ resurrection came infinite possibilities Far Beyond the Disciples’ imagination.

The same applies to our Negative answers. I know this may be hard for some of us to hear; but God’s got a plan even when disappointing us. That’s the assurance sent by Jeremiah to the Israelites during the Exilic period. God didn’t rescue them From the Exile; God was with them Through the Exile.

As I continue to process this hard truth I am reminded of the Romans 8 Assurance that Nothing separates us from God’s Love. Not even God’s disappointing responses. We are also assured that in God’s Love (ie Jesus Christ), we are ALL more than Conquerors! I tell you my dear reader; That Is A Relief!

For, regardless of the situation, the answer we receive; the depths of our disappointment or sorrow; we can hold to this blessed assurance that we are more than conquerors.

So, I guess it’s not worth continuing whatever argument we are entertaining ourselves with; for whether God’s answer disappoints us or not; God’s Love NEVER Fails us.

Chewing very slowly for this to stick

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May all we seek be found in Christ