Testing or Teasing

As a parent, there are times I've put obstacles in the way of my kids, or put them into difficult situations in order for them to learn how to overcome; or perhaps to teach them that they can trust me. A simple example is lifting one of them out of the pool where they were comfortably bobbing up and down, and putting them on the side of the pool only to say "jump to me."

Now, I suppose to some people this could be construed as "teasing" a kid, but I think it is testing. There are subtle differences and not so subtle differences. Most notably, teasing is an attempt to tear another down, while testing is an attempt to help the other person grow and be strengthened.

In Exodus 17, the Israelites move on to a place called Rephidim "according to the commandment of the Lord." The next line tells us, "but there was no water for the people to drink." Isn't that interesting that God would lead his people to a place where there is no water and they began to thirst. He lifted them right up out of the pool so they might jump to him.

Of course HE'S there for them with water in order to increase their trust in him. This reminds me of when Jesus commands the disciples to get in the boat late in the evening and cross to the other side of the lake, only to have the boat and his disciples end up in a massive struggle against wind and waves.

For those who think that if we are struggling, we must somehow be outside the will of God, I would think again.

Laughing at God

I was reading the story of Abram and Sarai today. God promises them a child and the response of both at different times is to laugh. That is why God tells them to name their son Isaac (meaning "he laughs").

Today and the days to follow, I'm going to think about where I'm doubtfully laughing at what God wants to do. Is there something I have no faith about because it seems ridiculous that it would happen?

Lord, give me faith that would amount to a mustard seed.

Some Questions

"Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls."

This was my FaceBook verse the other day. I wondered about it quite a bit in some meditation time. Do I love him? Do I believe in him? Am I filled with joy? Inexpressible joy? Does my faith even have a goal? Can I honestly say that Peter could have written that to me?

I guess the answers, for me anyway, are matters of degrees rather than straight yes or no. I do love him, but so often it is not with all of me. I do believe in him, but don't always trust his faithfulness and goodness. I do have a measure of joy and there are times when it is beyond words...but not at all times. I am encouraged, though, that Peter thought to write this to someone...someone whom either was further along or someone who needed encouragement to get there. I'll take it as the latter.