Someone wrote the Rev. Billy Graham and asked him, "Is it wrong to be angry at God?" The Reverend responded, "The real question is this: Will God get angry at you if you get angry at Him, and refuse to have anything more to do with you? The answer is No! Even when we're angry at Him, He still loves us and yearns for us to turn to Him for the comfort and encouragement we need. And that's what I pray you will do."
Rev. Graham went on to use the story of Jonah, the "reluctant prophet," to illustrate his point. If you remember, God called Jonah to preach to his enemies. But Jonah didn't like that ideas so he tried to flee. It was only after his encounter with a big fish that Jonah obeyed God. Then someting amazing happened: As Jonah preached to his enemies, they began to repent and turn to God. Now, Jonah should have been happy but scripture tells us he was "greatly displeased and became angry" (Jonah 4:1). God did not chastise Jonah. Instead he gently told Jonah He loved his enemies- and Jonah should too.
I must admit, I have been angry at God this week. I've encountered several people who have been healed of cancer... "Two time cancer survivor." "15 years cancer free." "All tests clear." "NED (no evidence of disease)." Why can't itbe Ron? Huh, God? Reading the book of Jonah reminds me to trust and obey God...even if I don't like what's going on!
PRAYER
O Christ Jesus, when all is darkness and we feel our weakness and helplessness, give us the sense of Your presence, Your love, and Your strength. Help us to have perfect trust in Your protecting love and strengthening power, so that nothing may frighten or worry us, for, living close to You, we shall see Your hand, Your purpose, Your will through all things. AMEN
Rev. Graham went on to use the story of Jonah, the "reluctant prophet," to illustrate his point. If you remember, God called Jonah to preach to his enemies. But Jonah didn't like that ideas so he tried to flee. It was only after his encounter with a big fish that Jonah obeyed God. Then someting amazing happened: As Jonah preached to his enemies, they began to repent and turn to God. Now, Jonah should have been happy but scripture tells us he was "greatly displeased and became angry" (Jonah 4:1). God did not chastise Jonah. Instead he gently told Jonah He loved his enemies- and Jonah should too.
I must admit, I have been angry at God this week. I've encountered several people who have been healed of cancer... "Two time cancer survivor." "15 years cancer free." "All tests clear." "NED (no evidence of disease)." Why can't it be Ron? Huh, God? Reading the book of Jonah reminds me to trust and obey God...even if I don't like what's going on!