I have never seen God with my eyes. But I’ve seen His work countless times in my life and in the lives of others.
He has redeemed my life, pulling me from a pit so dark and dirty that it’s a wonder I ever felt comfortable there. He’s restored my marriage which was, for all intents and purposes, on divorce’s doorstep. He healed me of a life-threatening disease right before my eyes.
Yes, I have seen His work.
I’ve witnessed a friend stand during a storm so strong that only divine participation kept her standing. I’ve seen a bitter, angry women begin to forgive and rebuild her relationships. I’ve seen someone so broken and in bondage by the depths of their own sin accept Christ and experience freedom for the first time in their life.
Oh yes… God is alive and active as much today as He was in the Old Testament times.
Why then, in spite of all I have seen with my eyes and lived in my life do I use the phrase… “then again?” Why, knowing the powerful God I serve, do I still try to do things my way? I’d be willing to bet we’re in the same boat here.
When we exercise our “then again” mentality, aren’t we doubting God’s ability?
- I know God will provide for us, but “then again” maybe I should go ahead and take that job because we have bills to pay.
- I know God can deliver me from the illness, but “then again” He does have a lot going on and has bigger issues to deal with.
- I know I should wait on the Lord for an answer, but “then again” I think I know what’s best for me here.
We have proof of His power, don’t we? But, when we act like “then again” Christians, our actions are not pointing towards that belief. I wonder if we simply don’t trust Him… we don’t take Him at His word.
Here is my challenge for you. Journal about the times God showed up in your life. Write them all down. Date it. File it where you can find it later. By doing this, when you’re tempted to not trust Him you will have the ability to go back and see all the miraculous wonders and signs He has performed in your life.
Maybe His abilities will earn a second thought in your mind and you will change from being a “then again” Christian to a “Remember When” Christian.
I “remember when” on the big events in my life but what about the small ones? What about the times when you are just annoyed with your husband and you pray for patience that you would love him more and unconditionally. You don’t necessarily have that moment of “wow! Look what God did!” but you have more of a “hmmmmm, I just noticed that my spirit towards my husband is a bit softer and has been over the last few days.” Sometimes, I don’t even notice those moments until I’m back in the “I’m annoyed” stage and I realize I hadn’t been annoyed in awhile. Those moments are harder for me to remember…. I have to pay better attention b/c those are the moments I need to remember more often than the big ones…. does that make sense. In my life I have smaller needs than being healed of cancer but often times they feel just as important, however, they are just daily I-have-to-function-and-get-through-this-in-God’s-way needs. These are the “remember whens” that I REALLY need to remember b/c this is where I get my daily hope for living! He cares about the big and small stuff and he can handle both just beautifully and oh, so faithfully!! But you are absolutely write! I HAVE to write it down or I will, sadly, forget!!!! Thanks, Carey!
Great point! Sometimes those smaller “then agains” are harder. Thanks for bringing that into light. Great addition!
Wonderful encouragement! So important! I like Laura’s point as well, I do more easily remember the bigger things, but I need to continue to focus on God’s fingerprints in my day to day.
Thank you, Carey!