In a Wilderness? Why is it so hard to have hope?

It happened again just this week. Someone who had gone through a dark and difficult wilderness experience told me they wouldn’t change a thing. There are things they learned in the darkness that they would have missed in the light. 

Yeah, I’ve heard it often. And I’ve lived it. I’ve feel the same way about my wilderness experiences.

So why is it so hard to have this attitude when I'm in a wilderness experience? Why do I so often yearn for escape more than learn and grow? 

In Exodus 17, we pick up the story with Israel’s wilderness experience after having been rescued from slavery in Egypt. But a certain pattern quickly develops. Every time Israel gets hungry and thirsty, they complain. And their complaining, especially their attitude toward God and the way they complain, is a problem.

Jesus and the rest of the Bible tell us that, like Israel, we too are sojourners who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, who have crossed over to the other side by grace, and who are now on the way to the promised land. In this faith journey, in our wilderness, God is transforming us and teaching us to trust Him, love Him, and follow Him. No matter what.

Invite someone this weekend. Especially someone who needs a ray of hope. 

You Want a High Maintenance God. You Really Do.

I wonder if many adults have an imaginary friend. Would they ever admit it if they did? 

I suppose an imaginary friend could help comfort you, encourage you, and keep you company. An imaginary friend, with the right imagining, could be the most low maintenance companion you ever had--there when you need them and won't care when you ignore them. 

Your imaginary friend could tell you how good you are, agree with your ideas when no one else will, and fawn over you like you were a famous celebrity.

It gets even better, though. Don't you hate to be criticized? You imaginary friend could tell you all those critiques are lies. Don't you hate the idea of bad news from a doctor? Your friend can talk you out of even going to one. And don't you hate being wrong in an argument with your spouse or with a real friend? Your imaginary friend can assure you that your are right, always. 

A real friend is almost the complete opposite of this low maintenance imaginary friend. A real friend will care about you enough to tell you your idea will bankrupt you, that the spot on your face looks cancerous, and that you need to say you're sorry.

In other words, real friends will judge you, try to help you do what's right, and seek what's best for you, even if it means having to turn away from you until you come to your senses. 

Okay, maybe an imaginary friend isn't such a good idea.

I wonder if many adults have an imaginary God. Would they ever admit it if they did?

I suppose an imaginary God...