When God? (1) – When God is Inattentive

We are now at the “I can’t believe it’s almost Thanksgiving” month, and Christmas will be upon us before we know it. It’s a season to give thanks to God for the year; it’s also a season for us to gather with friends and loved ones to celebrate. There’s much to give thanks and to celebrate for us together as a church as we move closer and closer to the start of our construction of the new building. As I look back at the process that we went through, it’s easy to conclude that God’s hand must be in this. There were many questions and concerns raised during this whole process, and I am sure there will be many more, but we have learned that when we trust in God and let go of our control, that’s when we see the work of God reveal in front of us.

While there are seasons to celebrate there are also seasons in which our faith gets rattled by circumstances. Just like there are many times during this building process that I almost gave up and lost faith, there are seasons in your life and mine that we will experience the same thing. Today I am starting a series to talk about just that, When God? What does it mean and what do we do when we feel God is inattentive, uncooperative, or late? Did you know that people in the Bible felt that way too? You are not alone. I pray that this series will answer many of your questions and strengthen your faith.

Moving Forward

Your personal circumstances may not necessarily be a direct reflection of God’s feelings about you. God’s apparent inactivity in your life is not a reflection of his activity in the world. If God currently feels inattentive, look back at what God has done for you, and out at his activity in the world around you.

Discussion Questions

1. Share an example of God answering your prayers during a difficult situation.

2. Describe a time when God seemed inattentive to your circumstances. Did it rattle your faith? Why is it often time difficult for us to trust God during difficult times?

3. Read Matthew 11:2-6, 14:6-12. How does the fact that Jesus didn’t rescue John the Baptist from imprisonment and death challenge your assumptions about God’s priorities, about your faith in Him?

4. Read Philippians 2:8-11. How could this passage strengthen your faith during challenging seasons of life?