I had a conversation with a friend a day or so ago who has been walking with the Lord for a long time... but today is finding that he has more hope than faith. Christian friends...even pastors and church leaders have betrayed him and let him down. Where before he accepted the sovereignty of God, now... He doesnt understand how God allows senseless suffering and death. He looks at church and instead of seeing fruit in ministry, sees a leadership agenda that is often controlling and sometimes more about what leadership wants than what God wants. But he admits he doesnt really know what God wants anymore because its been a really long time since hes opened his Bible to see what God says or listen for his voice. Church has become complex, confusing and political. The music that used to encourage and excite has become unfamiliar, boring and loud. He still serves but his service is hollow...its mostly out of obligation... not loving sacrifice. I started right in with the pat Christian platitudes. Looking for that drive-by gospel fix. Everything I shared was true, but it all fell far short of reaching the heart of this man. And what do I have to say but what God already said. I have no wisdom apart from his word. But Im praying as Im sharing, that God would give me something...some shred of encouragement for my friend. Some way to spark that fire that I had known in him for so many years. He is no longer looking for the fellowship and accountability of other Christians. Hed rather not risk the hurt anymore. He hasnt turned his back on God but wishes he could see God work in a way that he could point to and say beyond a shadow of a doubt that God showed up here. Hes tired, hes discouraged...hes hurting and he feels unloved by God. Im praying for my friend. And this morning as I share my thoughts... this song has been running through my mind. I first heard Steve Green sing it so very many years ago...but its never rung more true for more Christians in despair than today. See all the wounded Hear all their desperate cries for help Pleading for shelter and for peace Our comrades are suffering Come let us meet them at their need Dont let a wounded soldier die Chorus: Come let us pour the oil Come let us bind their hurt Lets cover them with a blanket of His love Come let us break the bread Come let us give them rest Lets minister to healing to them Dont let another wounded soldier die Obeying their orders They fought on the front lines for our King Capturing the enemys stronghold Weakened from battle Satan crept in to steal their lives Dont let a wounded soldier die youtu.be/I6bzky0_pDY
Posted on: Tue, 23 Dec 2014 11:31:50 +0000
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