Confessions of a Recovering Pharisee

As Christmas gets closer I realize that as much as people love to give gifts and go to parties, this is a difficult time of year. I wish Christmas was really about celebrating the birth of Christ. Unfortunately it has become about the haves and have nots. It is about people who have money and family and those who don’t have either. This year more than any before I have listened to and cried with those who are the the “not” side. I have seen people who are suffering physically and emotionally. I have witnessed relationships tearing apart. I have watched people destroy their lives and the lives of others. I have people asking me for answers to tough questions. But ironically I have some of the same questions.

I don’t know why spouses decide to leave (thankfully I’m not dealing with that). I don’t know why children and babies are in ICU. I don’t know why people lose their jobs. I don’t know why car accidents happen. I don’t know why Godly people suffer.

What I do know is that the Bible tells me we shouldn’t be surprised. The Bible doesn’t promise the “American Dream.” What God does promise is that He will never leave us. But sometimes it feels like He does. I’ve learned that I can’t live by how I “feel.” I have to go by facts. That is why I started journaling years ago. I write down all of the “pillar” moments that God has taken care of me and yes sometimes bailed me out. Unfortunately He doesn’t always do that for me, those I care for and those I serve.

I have lots of questions and not a lot of answers but maybe that is the way it is suppose to be.

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