Image by Beautiful Light Photography
How like the thieves can we humans be! Some choose to jeer and refuse to believe already provided signs, some believe and follow Christ unquestioningly. It’s easy to get frustrated with our faith when things are tough; it’s easy to tell God to prove things to us. Prove that these prayers are heard, prove that you care, if you’re REALLY there, PROVE IT.
While some may have unshaken faith that comes naturally to them, others have to work hard at cultivating and nurturing our faith.
It’s easy to take part in the “mob mentality,” and go along with whatever is easiest or least complicated. With work, school, kids, family, friends, and other stressors, there is so much pressure from every direction that can pile up and become so over-whelming.
It’s even more overwhelming when things aren’t going the way you’d hoped or prayed. It’s so easy to give up hope, or to forget that God has a plan for all of us, and would never give us a challenge just to see us sweat.
Christ, himself, tells us not to worry; He tells us to be at peace.
"Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and up- set; do not be afraid." John 14:27
Psalms is a great resource for scriptural reminders to give it up to the Lord and to not worry.
"The Lord is my light and my salvation-whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life-of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1
"When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul." Psalm 94:19
The Good Thief, despite being surrounded by the mob mentality, and being going through tor- ment and pain himself, still recognized Christ’s love and His importance, and asked for Him to remember him when Christ came into His kingdom.
Christ then extended his loving mercy to the good thief. Talk about,
“Ask and it shall be given to you,” right?? Matthew 7:7
Having faith is HARD. Asking for forgiveness is TOUGH. Going against the grain is, by the very definition, never the easy way. In some situations, however, it’s the path we should try our hardest to follow.
Reflection
1 When do you have the hardest time trusting in God’s love and not wishing and hoping for more proof of it?
What scripture passages can you remember to consult when it gets hardest? Which spoke to your heart the most?
