Have you ever tried to walk around your house in the dark? With arms stretched out wide we feel our way around, running into dressers, patting walls with our hands, feeling for the familiar to find our way. It’s hard to see where we’re going without the light. It’s painful to run into things we…
Relentless: A Prison
A God who is with you in your doubt ~ John Flavel, Late minister of the Gospel at Dartmouth It was my third trip to the airport in four days. And I had at least a half dozen more coming up in the days to follow. The day after traveling home from a conference and…
In Between Despair and Joy
So far as we know, there has only been one day in the last two thousand years when literally not one person in the world believed Jesus was alive. On Saturday morning after Jesus’ crucifixion, the disciples wake after not having slept for two days. The city that was screaming for blood the day before is quiet. Crowds…
Where Is God in the Darkness?
That Safe Darkness You have wrapped yourself with a cloud so that no prayer can pass through. — Lamentations 3:44 “I call, I cling, I want — and there is no One to answer… Where I try to raise my thoughts to Heaven — there is such convicting emptiness that those very thoughts return like…
Humility Matters When We Pray
Prayer that storms the gates of Heaven doesn’t have to be fancy or long or filled with Bible verses. In fact, I almost wonder if it needs words at all. It really is a heart’s cry, isn’t it? And one wrapped in complete humility. Recently, I spoke at a Christian gathering that was multigenerational, multiracial,…
Jesus Can Handle Your Doubt
Thomas’ Doubt I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all Your works and consider what Your hands have done. I spread out my hands to You; I thirst for You like a parched land. Answer me quickly, LORD; my spirit fails. Do not hide Your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let…
Pray for Greater Love
One of the most productive things we can do to pursue a life beyond amazing is to read Paul’s prayers for the churches he was involved with. He didn’t pray for greater attendance, bigger offerings, or even more people becoming Christians. When we examine his prayers, we discover something far more challenging. For instance, to…
Flaming Torches and Living Promises
Doubt. He’s a nosy neighbor. He’s an unwanted visitor. He’s an obnoxious guest. Just when you were all prepared for a weekend of relaxation… just when you pulled off your work clothes and climbed into your Bermuda shorts… just when you unfolded the lawn chair and sat down with a magazine and a glass of…
Why Does God Allow Me to Doubt?
Jude 22 says, Be merciful to those who doubt. But it raises the question: why would God allow us to doubt to begin with? Why does He allow us to wrestle with deep questions about life, prayer, theology, pain, and suffering? Why doesn’t he just clear the air, and give us the answers and evidence…
She’s Still There: Fight for Your Life
You have to choose to be brave enough to believe that a uniquely beautiful life is still yours to have. And you have to choose to be bold enough to grab hold of the hope you have for the girl inside. The girl who’s still there. The girl who dreamed of — and deserves —…
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