Every few weeks, I write a post for my church’s Midweek Encounter blog reflecting on that week’s sermon. We just started this year’s Christmas series, and I suspect I will be taking away a lot from it. The first message was on God’s promises and how they often don’t look like we expect them to.
Photo Credit: Chelsea Francis
When It Seems Like God Lied
There are many promises throughout the Bible.
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:8)
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4)
In our best moments, these verses likely come as a source of deep comfort. When we’re in the middle of difficult times though, having these verses offered as solutions to our problems can be frustrating or even annoying. Does losing a job seem like a plan to prosper us? Do illnesses, failed classes, divorces, cruel bosses, or financial ruin seem like giving us a hope and a future? There are times when God’s promises feel more like lies than truth.
Keep reading at the Midweek Encounter blog.
The Art of Becoming 