Something About The Joy

I've just finished reading Blink , by Ted Dekker.   It's fun, but I got headaches as often as his main character did, trying to juggle all the possible futures bouncing off the walls of his super smart brain.   The spiritual theme of the book wraps itself around the mind-boggling concept that human beings have free will, and that, through prayer as well as through their active choices, they can change things, even though God is sovereign. How can both things be true?   If we really have free choice, doesn't that rule out the possibility that God is sovereign? This is the kind of dilemma we run up against whenever we try to figure out most everything about the nature and character of God.   How can He be both totally God and totally man?   How can He be three and yet only one?   How can He be holy and allow evil in the world? The struggle is like holding onto mercury.   Whenever we think we're getting close t...

I'm going through a crisis of faith.   It seems every time I pick up my Bible I find another frustrating question I can't answer.   It's uncomfortable, but I'm not worried.    I know doubts can be a steppingstone to a stronger faith.   I'm going to come out on the other side of this valley in a better place.    But there are specific steps I need to take to do that.   If you're having the same kind of struggle, here are some suggestions from a kindred spirit: Dealing With Doubts: 1.   Don't ignore or deny your doubts.   Turn around and face them head on.   Otherwise they will niggle away at your faith and keep you from the joy God wants you to experience in relationship with Him.   Be proactive, and be totally honest with yourself and with God. 2.   Investigate the reason for the doubts.   Is there a spirit of rebellion or pride behind your questioning?   Are you involved in a habitual...