Where is Jesus?

Good morning all-

Have you ever asked yourself, "Where is Jesus?"  At some time in your life, whether you have confessed Jesus or not, you will ask that question.  How can God be this great being if bad is happening?  That's a question we have all asked and although we don't have a solid answer, the Bible tells us the story of good and evil.

I am aware that I don't have all the answers. I also am aware that evil is on this earth.  But Scripture is clear, God is near and out of bad will come good.  Jesus died because the world was evil.  He came to give us a way in the midst of that evil and because of His blood we are saved.  Will all be saved?  The Bible says no.  Some will remain with the veil until the day he comes back and then the veil will be lifted. 

Trials come whether we are saved or not.  Coming to Jesus doesn't mean life will be a rose garden.  It simply  means that when bad happens, Christ will be near and when we seek Him we will find Him.  If you look through Scripture, you will read of many different people's trials.  As a matter of fact, the greatest characters in the Bible had strife.  They were just like us.  They lived in a world full of evil and they were part of History.  Their names are written so that we can better understand the trials and tribulations and the grace that came from them. 

Whenever someone has turned away from God, it's been because of a circumstance.  It could be someone being killed, death, destruction or not getting what he or she wanted from God.  I just spoke with a woman who was so mad at God she walked away from Him because her mom was taken away when she was young and she was confused and angry.  Fast forward thirty years and she has re-committed her life to Christ. 

I wish everything could be easy.  I wouldn't have to struggle so much but then, I'm not sure I would know God the way I do today.  Through loss and struggle, I have learned that Christ is the only way.  He is my shepherd and when I call, He does hear me.  My life isn't as hard as some.  There is always someone that suffers more or loses more.  I can drive down a street and see poverty, homelessness and pain.  I can open a paper and read of war, cruelty to children, and women that are known as black widows.  People all over are struggling with sin, selfishness and anger.  It's a world epidemic.  So it's not unusual for people to question. 

I don't think God minds when we question as long as we look for Him as we question.  He's been where we are and He knows the turmoil evil can create.  His blood was spilled because of it.  He spent time right before the crucifixion saying, "Take this cup from me."  His father couldn't.  Why?
He was innocent but in order to intercede for us, His life had to be given. 

That's why whenever I question, "Where are you God?"  I look towards the Scripture and pray.  Prayer is our eternal portal to Him.  When we pray, we connect.  The connection builds trust and if we pray His will, not ours, we will find Him and the peace beyond understanding.

Many bad things will happen but world events have been changed by prayer.  The faithful can ban together and pray for their countries.  It's important to pray for the next generations.  We can't give up because life is tough.  We must hold his hand just like a young child does.  A baby is helpless and must rely on an adult.  A five year old must wait, put their hand in your hand and be guided and a teenager needs you to steer them gently into making good decisions.  And then there's us.  We must put our trust, our faith and our hearts into the hands of our redeemer.  We may not understand what He's doing but we must trust that He knows the way.

My sisters we must ban together in prayer.  We must be strong in Him when we are weak and we must look for Him in all situations.  I'm not just talking to you; I'm talking to  me too.  I could drown but prayer has lifted me up and Scripture has infused me with passion to fight one day at a time.  I'm not perfect so I must confess my sins and once again be in the presence of my Maker.  We have power through Jesus.  Trust in Him even when you don't see him.  When you question, where are you Jesus, go to the Bible and find Him.  I never find Him in the world because the world is evil.  I must find Him in the quiet, through prayer and meditation.  He is near.  Feel Him as He guides you into the light.

1 Peter 5:8-9 NIV

    Be alert and of sober mind.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

Until tomorrow...