Going Through It?

You know how social media can be—if you’re big enough, your day to get dragged will almost certainly come.

Well, not so long ago, it was Someone else’s turn to face it (though I’m sure by now it’s a gimmick that’s many millennia old, He just laughs it off, Psalms 2:4).

Yep, God got dragged.

One of the talking points was how, for a God who’s Omnipresent, He can seem so distant in times of trouble. Where was God when this and that was happening? Where is God now when this and that is happening?

It’s a valid question, especially for believers who have gone through, and are still going through difficult times. In fact, the “firstborn” of God can testify to considering that question. Jesus on His journey through hell (figuratively and literally) cried out that question—Eloi Eloi, lama sabachthani? (My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?)

But here’s the thing: even though Jesus felt that way, He knew otherwise. He knew that He had a sure promise from God — and He believed it.

“For You will not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.”

Psalm 16:10 (KJV)

He also knew there was a joy ahead (Hebrews 12:2). He knew there was the salvation of billions at stake. He knew there was victory ahead. He’d seen the big picture and knew it was a glorious one.

“For we do not have a high priest incapable of sympathizing with our weakness, but one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin.”

Hebrews 4:15 (NET)

God knows that feeling. He also needs us to believe that His promise never to leave us in Hell (whether figurative or literal) is eternally valid. He needs us to hold onto that knowledge in faith instead of giving way to our feelings. He needs us to see the big picture: the Glory ahead.

That’s what faith is after all; being sure of what we hope for, being convinced of what we do not see.

If you have faith in the existence of God, please have faith in what He has said as well.

“If your catching hell don’t hold it, if you’re going through hell don’t stop. You, go ahead!”

— Ron Kenoly