Lollies in the Cupboard
The top of my pantry is filled with half eaten lolly packets
Reference: but they were kept from recognizing him. (Luke 24:16 NIV)
Explore: My boys are like all typical children … they love lollies. Any chance they have to eat candy, chocolate or chewy they will take it.
They know I won’t just give it to them at any time, so they rarely ask for it. But when it is presented to them they gobble it down heartily.
The funny thing is, if they don’t finish their sweet treat and I put it in the cupboard, they forget all about it. The top of my pantry is filled with half eaten lolly packets the boys have not remembered.
It’s not until I’m feeling particularly generous that I’ll bring them out and then it’s like I’m Willy Wonka. I know they are there, but I also know what is good for my boys’ tummies.
Application: Recently I have felt like God is the parent and He is rationing me, just like I ration the boys’ treats. The only thing is that I am asking for wisdom rather than a tooth decaying snack.
I feel like He’s hiding Himself up in the cupboard and even though I’ve asked for guidance He is staying quiet. I was leaning on the verse “ask and it shall be given to you” but then I read Luke 24.
When Jesus had risen from the dead He did not stage a Middle Eastern tour to sold out venues. Instead, He revealed Himself to a few select people… gradually.
Even when He walked alongside a couple of people, He did not reveal Himself straight away.
Why did He do this? I don’t know why!
Why is He responding with silence to my requests? I don’t know why!
And this is where my faith really needs to take hold. There are many things I don’t understand about God, but that doesn’t mean I am going to throw away my faith every time God doesn’t jump at my request.
Sure, at this moment in time I feel like God could make my whole life a lot easier if He revealed a little more of Himself to me. But I haven’t seen the big picture yet.
God has a different perspective than we could ever imagine. I don’t know why He is silent, but I trust He loves me and has the best in store for me.
My faith is something I hold to in times of trouble. It’s easy to praise God when all is going well, but now is my chance to show God I am dedicated to Him in the trials as well as the celebrations.
Prayer: Lord, I trust in You. I pray I will know Your will in time. Amen.
When has your faith been tested?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.