Guest Post – David Weischedel
So many times we are confronted with the question about how a God that is “invisible” or “untouchable” can actually care about us humans down here on earth. Maybe you are struggling with this question as a skeptic of Christianity or even as a strong believer. Regardless, we all face doubt in different ways. Our school or job situation isn’t what we would like it to be or our families and marriages are a mess. We struggle financially or emotionally through the loss of loved ones. We see the hurt in poverty across the globe. Does God care?
Personally, I have found that the only solution to strengthen our faith is to look back at God’s faithfulness in the past and look forward to the promise we have in Christ. We do this by looking to God’s Word. If we truly believe that the Bible is divinely inspired and authoritative and applicable to all areas of life, then we must constantly be turning to scripture to help battle our unbelief and refresh our hearts and minds.
Matthew 10: 29-31
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
1 Peter 5: 7
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Isaiah 41:10
“Fear not; for I am with you. Be not dismayed; for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with the right hand of My righteousness.”
I Peter 1:4-5
In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.
Other practical helps:
-Remember the gospel and believe it! We know God cares because of Christ. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave his only son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life”. He knows our pains and our struggles and has a plan for us. Trust in Him! (Jeremiah 29:11)
-Be involved in a local church. The church body is part of God’s plan for you to grow through the hearing the Word preached and through discipleship and fellowship where we bear each others burdens (Galatians 6:2). We also remember and savor great truths by worshipping in song (Colossians 3:16).
-Go outside and get a breath of fresh air. Be still before the Lord (Psalm 23 and 46:10). Look up to the stars at night or out at a vast ocean at sunset. See the glory of God in creation. It will remind us that we are but dust and widen our gaze on the magnificent creator. (Genesis 1 and Psalm 8.)
-Pray continually. God hears the prayers of His children and the peace of God will guard our hearts. (1 John 5:14-15 and Philippians 4:6-7, James 5:16)
– Remember God’s sovereignty: remember the sparrows. (Matthew 10:29-31)
David Weischedel
www.savedalone.com
(David is the worship pastor at Fellowship Raleigh (fellowshipraleigh.org), a new church near downtown Raleigh that is reaching those far from God. David is a passionate lover of God, a ridiculous guitar player, and a wonderful new friend. Thanks, David, for agreeing to do this.)