The other night my youngest was at an event and without my knowing it he had downed TWO sodas! But I didn't know until he sat down to have a soda and I said, "No it's too late to be drinking pop."
He replied, "But mom, I've only had two!" (I know, not the smartest reply). Anyway, I said no again and he continued needling me about it for a while until I finally said, "Asked and answered!" Which is my go to phrase when my kids keep asking for something, when they want me to change my answer.
Last week I was listening to a podcast that has sat with and disturbed me ever since. It was a young man who walked away from his faith. He detailed how he had "believed". He had served much in his faith and had testified many times to others. But then he started questioning himself and listening to lots of others that were questioning. So he decided to make it a fervent request and did so for a long period of time, almost a year. Then finally, he felt he heard, "No, his faith shouldn't be there."
This made me wonder, was he asking the Lord something that the Lord had already answered and the Lord wasn't going to change His answer? Did he, after such a long time, hear the answer he just wanted to hear? Did the Lord really change His mind, or did the Lord allow this man to get the answer he wanted so he could then do what he wanted. After all, the Lord will never force us to choose Him.
I don't know this man personally, but I hope that at some point he will think about his questioning process and determine whether he really got a new answer, or did he get the answer he wanted?
My personal belief is, God loves us, He wants us to return to Him. But He will never force us to love Him or serve Him, or return to Him.
If you are struggling in your faith, I encourage you to snuggle up closer to the Lord. Maybe ask Him to help you recognize all the ways He shows you His infinite love. Can you see it in the love of family or friends? Perhaps a talent He has given you, or a gift He gave others that you really enjoy? Is it in the beauties you see all around you? Or do you hear it in scripture as you read over and over again about How much He has done for His children? It could be that you just need reminders of what His past answer to you has been.
The Lord loves you!
