The Character of God

Upset. If I had to describe the tone of yesterday's blog and how I was feeling all day, the word I would use is upset. What continually nagged at me all day was why was I upset? I'd like to claim what I was feeling was "righteous indignation at the world" brought on by the Holy Spirit. But God decided last night to clarify my feelings. Which, isn't that usually the case when we get too high on our pedestals? God is around to knock us on to our knees. Here is what God revealed to me...




I took the school's reaction to Invisible Children personally. What I mean is that I felt the school's reaction to the assembly was an attack on my character. I put a lot of thought and planning time into the assembly and what would be allowable so as to not offend students or the school. But an immediate assumption was made that I was purposeful in wanting to "solicit students" and implied that I was not thoughtful in my planning. I am not saying these things to point fingers or to get a "poor" Jessica response. But what thought came upon me last night was, "I wonder if God ever feels this way?" Oh the shame...



We constantly point our fingers at God and place judgement on His Character based on events happening in this world. Think about it. Many times the question keeping non believers from believing in God is: "if God is so good, why is there ________ in this world?" or "if God is so good, why does He allow ______ to happened?" I'm sure you can think of a few things to fill in the blank.



I think it is presumptuous of us to make such harsh judgements on God because of the events happening in this world. He is clear in His word that we are in a fallen world, the results of which are sickness and death. Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death." Also, we are limited in what we see and what we know of why certain events happen in this world. Only God is omniscient and omnipresent. He is clear in His word that all He does is for our benefit and our best interest and it will all work out for good in the end. Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,who have been called according to his purpose."



So instead of speculating on what we do not know, we should mediate on what we know for certain. The bible says it is certain that God is good, God is love, and God is merciful. It states God is Holy and just and will bring righteousness to this world. I think the real issue isn't "who is God?" But, do we trust in what we know of God when something happens in a way we would not have chosen for ourselves. I know I wish my school would have considered my character and my previous record before assumption gave way to criticism.



Love,

Jess



1 John 4:10This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.