What Are You Doing?
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
ME: Jesus, what are You doing? I mean there are earthquakes, shootings, fires, and dangerous snow storms with frigid temperatures. What is going on?
JESUS: The way you asked those questions leads me to think that you do not trust Me and there is not much hope in your voice. What do you think I am doing?
ME: I don’t have the foggiest notion as to how to answer You. No matter what I say, it is going to sound like I am blaming You. I’m not! Are we winding down life on our planet as we once knew it? Are You coming back soon? I know You have all the power, but everything feels wrong.
JESUS: So, My precious child, what would you want Me to be doing?
ME: You can change the course of history, put the fires out, stop the mass killings, prevent earthquakes with just a slight waive of Your hand. Why would You want to see people (and animals) suffer so much?
JESUS: Do you really believe I enjoy this world-wide destruction? That I get some kind of satisfaction hearing the grief-stricken cries of a father holding his deceased son? That I want to watch as towns and woodlands are burned beyond recognition? I thought you knew Me better than that!
ME: Oh Father, I do know You are not the originator of these things.
JESUS: I did not create these messes, but I am walking with those who trust Me. I will comfort them and ease their pain and sorrow. I will give them strength to keep moving forward. I will sustain them in their weakest moments…just like I have done for you. Do you remember?
ME: I should never have even asked You that question. I am so sorry.
JESUS: Sometimes all humans need to review the facts—you included.
ME: So, what should we do?
JESUS: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14, NIV). I want Christians to pay attention.
ME: I think You’ve got it now!
JESUS: Perhaps, at least temporarily.