KATHARINE,
the wife of Martin Luther, rushed into his study where the Reformer sat in
gloomy introspection one day and declared, "God is dead!" She did
this to awaken the great man to a realization that his worries were as unreasonable
as her words, and the surprised move had its desired effect. Luther saw how preposterous
was her declaration and how equally ridiculous were his worries. He leaped to
the defense of the living God and declared that God cannot die and began to act
like a man who believed in Him.[1]
Hard to imagine that a man of Luther’s faith and conviction
would need such a kick in the pants; but indeed, the story suggests that Luther
was a person (much like you and I) who dealt with doubts. Certainly, he did not
believe God was dead; I’m sure he could have preached a passionate sermon to
the contrary, but his day to day behavior (apparently) did not reflect his
convictions. Luther is not alone. If one were to poll Americans about the
existence of God, the numbers (though receding in the past few years) range
from 68-83 percent.[2]
So, the majority of Americans--our neighbors, if you will—believe in the
existence of God. Yet, many of us (like Luther), don’t always act as if we
believe at all.
What does that mean? How does my belief in God affect my
attitudes and actions? Well, first, we have to ask, “What do I believe about
God?” Our beliefs influence attitudes and behaviors. Is God good? Can I trust
Him with the big decisions of my life? Is God loving? Does He have a plan for
my life? Is God all-powerful? Does He have the ability to help me in my chaos?
You see, the more we believe about God, the more we will depend on Him.
In 2 Samuel, chapter ten, we have a great picture of faith! Cast
into battle, though not intending it, David's two generals approach their
situation prudently, tactically, strategically, AND prayerfully. But, also,
they approach their conflict with utter reliance on God: "may the Lord do
what seems good to Him."
Faith is not so much believing that God will deliver, but
that what He designs will be right, just, and in accordance with His character.
Can we live with the plans of a holy and just God? We can if
we also remember that He is faithful, trustworthy, sovereign, compassionate,
caring, long suffering, merciful, full of grace, redemptive . . . and
"works all things together for good for those who love the Lord . .
."
If we believe what the Bible says about God—and if we can
call to mind the times He has provided--we will live differently. We won’t fear
change; we won’t fear patiently waiting for change either. If we believe God is
who He says He is (and is still alive), we won’t live in dread and despondency—like
everything in our life depends upon us.
Luther, for a moment, though a great man of faith, became a
practical atheist--acting as if God was not there. When we get busy, or
stressed, or worried, or withdrawn we do the same thing. I encourage you to
read the Bible with new intentionality. Highlight the places where God’s
character is described. The Psalms are great for this. Then pray that you will
begin to believe that God has a “steadfast love”, that He “preserves the simple”,
and “revives the faint.”
Find the verses that describe God as trustworthy,
faithful, loving, powerful, generous, wise, compassionate, redemptive, patient,
forgiving, holy, all-knowing, responsive, perfect, watching and listening for
us, seeking and saving us. Look, also, to the story of Jesus who is the perfect
reflection of God to man being generous with His time, His power, His
compassion, His love--giving to seekers and the merely desperate alike--because
His capacity was (and still is) always greater than the need.
Many of us live as if the gas station down the street does
not have gas or is unwilling to sell us any. We have places to go, but fear the
prospect of using up what little gas we have left. Likewise, this great
reservoir of grace, strength, wisdom, encouragement, provision, peace . . .,
etc., residing in our God lies untapped. God is not dead! Nor is He is against us! In fact, He awaits our call!
[1]
D.A. Delafield, “If God is Dead.” As accessed on January 9, 2014 [Internet], at
https://www.ministrymagazine.org/archive/1966/02/if-god-is-dead
[2]
Dan Merica, “Pew survey: Doubt of God growing quickly among millennials.”
As accessed on January 9, 2014 [Internet], at http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2012/06/12/pew-survey-doubt-of-god-growing-quickly-among-millennials/
