I have a nephew whom I have not spoken with in about 15 years. There was no anger or disagreements… just distance. Recently, I learned that he was having some health issues. So, I asked for his number so that I could send him a text. His number sat in my phone for several weeks and I didn’t text. Then, early this afternoon, I had an overwhelming urge to reach out to him. We had a very nice conversation. And I was able to tell him that I loved him and was praying. I wanted him to know that God was listening, just in case he wondered, “Where is God?”
Neither he nor I knew that He would be going into surgery within 3 hours. But God did. We might be inclined to ask “where is God when we need Him” when we experience difficulties/health issues. But the fact that the Holy Spirit led me to pray and reach out tells us where God is. He is right here with us, working through our trials.
“It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8.
The enemy wants us to question why health issues happen and why God doesn’t intervene. God didn’t desire illness for us. He desired the Garden of Eden and paradise for us. Through sin, the enemy has caused us to disregard and abuse God’s creation. And, as a result, we have more and more illness. Scripture says that we will never truly be free from the corruption that binds us until Jesus returns.
“For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.” Romans 8:19-21.
But Jesus is coming back. So, when we wonder “where is God”, He is preparing for Jesus’ return.
When we have trials in this life (and even in trials like this pandemic), people often wonder “where is God?” That’s because we focus on our circumstances and not on God and His promises.
When King David faced trials, he didn’t ask, “Where is God?” He knew God and His promises. “I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from? 2 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” Psalm 121.
When Jesus prepared the disciples for His departure, He reminded them that we would come through many trials before entering the kingdom of God. “strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22.
Sometimes it is through our trials that we recognize our weakness and our need for God. Those trials are what lead us to a personal relationship with Jesus and eternal life in Heaven. “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.
So, yes, we will face trials in this life. But these trials were not what God intended or desired. He is also with us in these trials and will not leave or forsake us. But God even turns these trials to good for us. He works through those trials and draws us into a saving and eternal relationship with Himself. And, through that relationship, makes us His sons and daughters and gives us eternal citizenship with Him in Heaven.
So, where is God? He is in Heaven, on His throne, working in and through our trials. He is working, waiting, and watching, desiring that, through these trials, we might come to Him. And He doesn’t want us to just go to Him for help like a genie. He wants us to recognize how much we need Him in this moment… and every moment. He wants us to realize that our way isn’t working. It is just causing chaos and trials. But His way is healing. His way leads to a loving, intimate, and eternal relationship with Him.
Father God, forgive us for rejecting You. Forgive us for being gods of our own lives and blaming You when trials arise. Thank You, Father, that You are a merciful and forgiving God. Thank You that You work through our trials to draw us into a deeper relationship with You! Lord Jesus, we thank You for Your sacrifice that allows us to have a relationship with our Heavenly Father. Thank You for Your great love for us, Jesus. Holy Spirit, draw us into a deeper and deeper relationship with our Heavenly Father. Lead us to be His hands and feet. Help us to heed Your leading to reach out to others in their trials. We pray these things in Your precious and Holy name, Jesus.
If you have repeatedly wondered “where is God?”, please go to our Life Preserver page (https://forgiven-n-loved.com/life-preserver/). On this page you will find a prayer outlined. The only thing keeping you from an intimate and personal relationship with God, is this prayer. He is waiting and longing for a deep and loving relationship with you. Please pray and once you have, let me know. I’d love to be in prayer with and for you.
Luv Ya!
