Experiencing God's Presence #337

Experiencing God's Presence #337

When he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days.

John 11:6, NIV

Scripture is full of seeming dead ends. Joseph, with dreams and destiny in his heart, was cast into slavery and then prison. The Israelites, pursued by a hostile army, were led by God to the edge of an impassable sea. Paul and Silas, in their efforts to spread the gospel throughout Asia Minor, were twice forbidden by the Spirit to go in their intended direction. Lazarus’s sisters wanted Jesus to come and heal their dying brother, and Jesus lingered far away. At times, God seems to specialize in boxing His people in.

We serve a God of the tight spot. There are times when we feel stuck, long for alternate scenarios, plead with Him either to move us or move the mountains in our way, and still find every path to be shut off. He gives us no options, so we sit still, pressed on every side, stuck in a vise grip of brutal circumstances and unyielding limitations. And when we look to God to deliver us, as we’re told to do, all we see is a divine poker face. No expression. No hint at what He’s going to do. Just a powerful God who apparently refuses to move.

Why does the ever-present God feign absence? We don’t know, but what we choose to believe in those moments is crucial. Those who reject the adversary’s lies about God’s goodness and choose to trust His favor will eventually see a breakthrough—a new freedom, some parted waters, an open door of opportunity, even a resurrection. Our subtle beliefs in our tight spots have powerful implications for what God does next. Hang on to faith, even at seeming dead ends. The God of power is still standing by.

Jesus, I choose to believe in Your goodness, even in my tightest spots. I know I’m never stuck when You’re at work. I trust You completely and know You have a solution. And I’ll wait as long as necessary to see it.