Real Personal Relationship

"Abram did not value God's vague promises because they paled in the light of what he truly wanted: a son. He felt close enough to God to actually argue with him. Note that God responded. Our relationship with God needs to be so intimate that, when we encounter a promise in Scripture that does not seem true for us, we can talk to God about our feelings. We have a God who does respond, perhaps with an even greater promise, as he does with Abram. Talk to God about everything, even your doubts and arguments."
—Diane Eble, author of Abundant Gifts: A Daybook of Grace-Filled Devotions

I love that quote. There have been so many times in my walk with God that I have been angry and frustrated with Him. I feel our relationship is close enough that I can be real and be myself, even it is my upset self. I have voiced my concerns to Him over the years with hot tears of frustration streaming down my face.  I have heard we should never be angry or upset with God.  But I say how can you be in a real, personal, intimate, loving relationship and never have a disagreement or upset??  I have a real, personal, intimate, loving relationship with my husband and we certainly, over the years, have had our share of disagreements and upsets. It didn't cause us to love each other less. If anything it probably made us love each other more. We learned and gained an understanding of each other.

My sister's granddaughter, Kirsten, visits often. I love her.... more than she realizes. I have hopes and dreams for her. I see the potential in her waiting to happen. Many times she has become so angry and frustrated with me when I wouldn't let her eat more candy or go outside alone and countless other things. She doesn't see that I  am protecting her from potential harm.  She doesn't understand that. She is three years old.  I understand that she doesn't understand. Not only that, I see it from her perspective. She only sees the here and now and her needs are not being met at the moment. I try to comfort her. I know she will understand it one day, but until then she is going to be upset.

I tend to do the same thing with God.  I know He loves me, knows what is best for me and is keeping me from potential danger. I can't see it. My needs are not being met. The promises have not come. I have done all I know to do and things still are not working the way they should be. I become angry and frustrated and I talk to Him about that.  He sees it from my perspective. I am his child and heir to all He has. He wants only what is best for me.  He loves me. We have a real, personal relationship.

"When we're confused or disappointed, wondering about who God is and what God is doing, we can ask. God isn’t offended by our questions or doubts. When we ask, we might not get the answer we're expecting. Often the answer comes by watching where God is at work, not by a booming voice from the clouds....expect the unexpected, and keep your eyes open for his work."

Questions for Jesus

Amy Julia Becker