The Wilderness and Divine Testing – Day 3

“Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”. ~Matthew 4:7

I am a big fan of C.S.Lewis and this quote is from a favorite book of his, “A Grief Observed.” I have read it twice since 2012 after my mother passed away. I found much comfort in reading his words about losing someone special. When going through difficult times and nothing really makes sense the natural thing to do is asking a lot of “why” questions. When I was a child and did not really grasp the relationship between God and humans, I look back at moments in my life when I was completely “clueless.” I can remember a kind of “bartering” with God, asking God to help my softball team play well, asking God to help me play well and in exchange present some trade for “good behavior.” What a truly sad way of approaching life. I thank God for His continued “Grace & Mercy & Forgiveness” of my youth and misguided relationship with God. God is not a “fairy godmother” granting wishes. Prayer and a healthy prayer life is so much more than making requests of God, prayer is an opportunity to go before God and seek guidance and to gain knowledge. Bad things happen to good people as well as bad people; we are all God’s children, His creation and He loves each and every one of us. Sometimes it takes difficult situations for us to understand the depths of His live for us. I can tell you that I have a deeper appreciation and love for my mom now that she’s gone. Not that I didn’t appreciate her while she was here with me, I did! She was an amazing woman and I hope she knew just how much I loved her. I have learned so many lessons since losing her and grown in ways I never thought possible. A key factor is “trusting” God instead of “testing” God.

“God has not been trying an experiment on my faith or love in order to find out their quality. He knew it already. It was I who didn’t. In this trial He makes us occupy the dock, the witness-box, and the bench all at once. He always knew that my temple was a house of cards. His only way of making me realize the fact was to knock it down.” ~C.S. Lewis, A Grief Observed

Today as you go about doing whatever it is that you do…take time to speak with God, speak from your heart and be open and receptive to the Spirit. And if the words are difficult just say “Jesus.” Take time to be “Holy.”

Breath Prayer: Jesus speak to me. ~Amen

~Blessings and Peace~