O God, do not remain silent; do not turn a deaf ear, do not stand aloof, O God. (Ps. 83:1)
“Wham!” The frying pan flew across the kitchen into the dining room, hitting the wall. “God, what are you doing?” My husband was coming down the stairs and upon seeing the flying pan and hearing my plea, he turned back up the stairs to retreat to the bedroom. We laugh about this moment now. He jokingly says that he was sure I was going to be struck down by lightning and did not want to get in the way!
But I knew God could handle my pain, anger, and grief. I had cultivated a relationship with God over time so when tragedy hit, I knew I could trust him; I could trust him so much that I could be completely honest with him and he would understand me even more than I understood myself.
The things in life that seem the hardest to face often open the door to a measure of grace from God that we would not have otherwise possessed. We tend to ask God to speak or act on our behalf when we are afraid, lonely, in need, experiencing pain, or facing enemies or attack. If we allow these things to draw us towards God, we can hear him better when we are closer to his side. Answers are not often what we expect, but they are answers, responses and actions from an all-knowing, wise, and gracious God.
Lean into God closer to hear the answer when he gives it.
Wesley Seminary alumna, Sarah Cochran and her husband pastored for seventeen years, and now both work for an agency rescuing kids from sex trafficking worldwide.
© 2021 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
