Conversations with God. This is arguably the hardest concept for the Christian mind, especially when we work and live in the world, and try to follow God’s edict that we are not to be “of” the world. In order to fulfill that, in order to fuel that, in order to support that, we need to have regular conversations with God. So why is that so hard? Because, that means relinquishing control. We like to believe that we are masters of our fate and our destiny and that we are in control. We are not. We never have been, nor shall we ever be. This can be very, very, very frustrating, because something in us tells us we should be calling the shots on life. We get down trodden because of “the man”,where in some vague force in the universe is trying to keep us down, keep us at odds with our fellow men, or even within our own homes, with our own families and children. Now a lot of people will tell you “That’s just in your head, don’t believe any of that nonsense.” But I have a shocking revelation for you, there is a force in the universe trying to keep you down, keep you separated from love and hope, from everything good that is, was, or ever shall be.
Now before I start getting emails and phone calls about conspiracy theories, let me reveal the identity of this nefarious force right now. It is sin. It’s the old Adam. It’s the devil himself. Yes, I called it out, the devil is alive and well, because he is of the world and is trying to keep you from salvation. The best way he can do this, is by playing on the old Adam that still exists like a cancer within you. Old Adam is selfish, is gluttonous, is narcissistic, is…just a jerk. Really, when you think about all those little dark moments you have, those flare ups of selfish desire, and you think “Wow, I’m kind of a jerk right now...” it’s the old Adam flaring up. And old Adam doesn’t like giving up control.
Sometime ago I heard a song that spoke of “half of (the singer’s) blood is Cain’s blood…” and the other half was Abel. But that’s not quite accurate. We are extremely complex creatures, with a propensity towards sin, but God has called us out on it and washed away that sin. That doesn’t mean we can’t revert, like addicts secretly fighting the urge for one last fix. That means we are in constant battle with ourselves, our inner core of sin that the devil keeps trying to cultivate into a flourishing black forest of hate and despair. And it’s in those moments of temptation, of selfishness, of self-pity, of sorrow, that we need to have a conversation with God. And sometimes, that is when that conversation can be the hardest to start.
I recently try to encourage a friend who was going through a difficult, emotional time in his life, and suggested talking to God about it, citing it as a way that I deal with some of the same problems. I walk and I talk to God. He advised he did not want to go down that road, or rather that I didn’t want to go down that road, but it’s when you don’t want to go down that road that you need to go down it. Why is it so difficult? Because in the end it is entirely about faith, about opening yourself up and saying “I’m done! I’ve got nothing left in me that can battle this! I need Your help, Lord because I cannot do it on my own.”
Now another accociate of mine, not related to the first individual, once said “Why should I go to God, like He’d understand.” Well, because he does understand. Jesus Christ, Son of God, one third of the Holy Trinity, walked this earth as a man. His presence on earth is part of historical record, and if ever you don’t think Jesus knows the pressure, the daunting nature of true responsibility or to love the ungrateful, I encouraged you to look at Matthew 26, 31-50. In fact, lets look at that now:
Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial
31 Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written:
“‘I will strike the shepherd,
and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’[a]
32 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”
33 Peter replied,“Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.”
34 “Truly I tell you,”Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”
35 But Peter declared,“Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same.
Gethsemane
36 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them,“My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”
39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. 41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
42 He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”
43 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. 44 So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.
45 Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”
Jesus Arrested
47 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” 49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.
50 Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.”[b]
Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.
A lot of people have the wrong idea about Christians and Christianity. We get that having faith doesn’t make the world back away from your door. We understand that the world we live in has some very large, nigh insurmountable problems. But we have faith that God will see us through, one way or another. God does not grant wishes, but he hears you. Sometimes the answer is yes, sometimes it is no, but more often than not, the answer is “wait for it, be patient, it will come when you are ready.” Answers from God, I have learned, don’t come when you demand them, they come when you are ready for them.
Be blessed, and walk with light.
Michael Bauch
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