Standing Somewhere in the Shadows
Nonsensical events occur in life. How much faith do you have? Your faith will be tested. Life is a stormy sea and our boat is very small.
We could make a list of all the crazy, ugly things that happen. The disciples could have made a list of their troubles and trials. And yet in their biggest storm they learned that Jesus comes to them walking on the sea. He walked to them on the very thing that threatened to sink them. He showed up in the middle of their storm (Matthew 14:23-33).
Mary and Martha questioned Jesus as to why He didn’t come when they called for Him. Lazarus had been sick and now he was dead. “If you had been here my brother would not have died” (John 11:21,32). The truth is that He did show up. He just didn’t do it on their schedule. He was on time and soon they would know it.
The disciples, some of them at least, watched Him die on a rugged cross. They thought Him to be the Messiah and they were devastated. Two were walking down the road to Emmaus (Luke 24) and He showed up. Others were gathered in an upper room (John 20:19) and He showed up. The tomb was empty and He showed up.
I could make a long list of times when Jesus showed up. I could make an equally long list of promises that He will.
“I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5)
“He that began a good work in you will perform it.” (Philippians 1:6}
“He works all things together for the good to those who love Him.” (Romans 8:28)
All things are not good. In fact some things are horribly not good. I frequently don’t like the “all things” of Romans 8:28. My human mindset and understanding fail. Where is Jesus in a storm, at a grave, on a lonely road, in a room filled with sad, ashen faces? Can I trust Him when my life falls apart?
This very issue strikes at the heart of doubt. There is believing doubt and unbelieving doubt. Believing doubt cries out with questions. I just finished reading the book of Job. Oh, my! But believing doubt also defends the God that doesn’t need our defending. “I know that my Redeemer liveth.” Crushed and broken, Job questioned and believed all at the same time.
Unbelieving doubt is convinced that there is no good God. “If God is good, then why…?” A guide in Israel stood in the plaza near the western wall, the wailing wall and asked my group, “If God is good, why the Holocaust?” He had no living relations beyond his immediate, close family. They had all died in Hitler’s camps.
I don’t understand all of our troubles. I just know we can cast our cares on Him. I know that when we struggle to trace His hand we must trust His heart.
Kenneth Downie wrote a not so well known gospel song that tells this truth
Standing somewhere in the shadows you’ll find Jesus.
He’s the only one who cares and understands.
Standing somewhere in the shadows you will find Him.
And you’ll know Him by the nail prints in His hands.
Take heart, people. He is standing in the shadows and cares for you.
