When the Word Is Clear
Posted by Lynn Wehner in Faith on Friday, March 04, 2011 11:00 AM
So, sometimes it takes me a while. Yesterday, I was drawn to this Bible passage (which begins with Jesus cursing the fig tree) ...
“Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you will receive it, and you will” (Mark 11:22-24).
Then, just minutes later, I opened to Matthew 21:22 — same story, same lesson.
Well, I guess the good Lord didn’t think I got the memo … so he made sure I saw that it also is, in fact, today’s Gospel! Three times in less than 24 hours I hear this message of praying and having faith in God. Coincidence? I think not.
It is a tumultuous time in our family, with traveling, stresses I wish I could protect my children from, and my struggling with priorities and — here’s a shocker — trust issues. What better time for the Father to send me his perfect “Pray, have faith, and trust” love letter. And, knowing me as he does, he made sure I couldn’t miss it. Three times in a row, after all. That’s some special attention.
Jesus came to dispel doubt. To inspire trust and faith. How can I continue to try it “my way” and then wonder why I’m in turmoil? Above all, I need to turn to God more, ask him in prayer, and believe that he will respond, every time. I know that’s the deal. It just takes me a while sometimes. Sometimes I need a big whack from a Divine Two-by-Four to get the message through my head — so it can eventually wind its way down to my heart.
How does God reach you? Do you “get it” the first time? Or does God have to really work overtime to touch your heart?
I’m praying that this Lent, I am more attuned to his voice. As for today, I know my marching orders. If you’ll excuse me, I have a mountain or two to cast into the sea.
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