Wow! I have really enjoyed writing about U2 music. I seriously find it absolutely wonderful that God has used one of their songs to really speak to me about life, about my own life. In the first two verses I’ve found myself. I have been there and still am in many ways.
The past few months have been very good and very hard for me. I have wrestled with my own believes, thanks to my wonderful husband. Lol (especially for those of you who know him)! It all started with Mario, he began to ask me why as Christians we believe certain things. He would say things like, “Is this really what God meant when he said this?” and “Don’t you think this is what God really is saying?” Oh and my favorite, “Look at it from this point, I think this might be a better way of looking at it.” At first I was totally frustrated and even mad. I remember having these conversations a time or two and storming out of the room because I was so upset. I felt like the core of what I had believed for so long was being shaken, and it was.
I quickly came to realize that Mario wasn’t doing this. Instead, God was using him to challenge me about ideas that needed to change! For so long, my beliefs have been based solely on what the pastor or other Christians I have looked up to have said. At times, certain beliefs were simply because the denomination (the type of church) I attended said so in its doctrine. I’m discovering that although God uses people to speak into my life, they are people like the rest of us. There is always that human factor (and that’s definitely true of Mario too). Men and Women who are called and anointed by God to speak and teach His Word are so important, but like the rest of us, they are working to figure this out too. Knowing this, I have been encouraged to really search out my core beliefs. To not take everything I am taught in a certain kind of setting and just believe it because that is where it came from. We can and should test teaching with God’s Word.
It is important to study and dig deep into the Word of God for ourselves. I’m finding that as I do that, there is such a great richness to discover. It is so much more alive than I had ever thought and so much more. Even looking at the creation account in Genesis, I’m finding how detailed God is. That is just with His creation! Understanding how He has purpose behind everything, it’s amazing! I’m also finding that there are definitely things I have believed that aren’t even in the Bible or completely taken out of the context in which it was intended. It is so important to understand the entire story.
And then there are questions! I’ve thought at times that questions were a bad thing. A lack of faith. I don’t anymore. I think that God loves for us to come to Him and ask questions, even when they are hard ones. Jesus was a Rabbi (teacher). I’m almost positive that He was asked many things. That’s what a good teacher does, teaches and answer questions. In many ways, Mario and I are teachers to our children and boy do they have questions. We are thrilled when they ask us questions, even the very hard ones. It shows their desire to learn and grow and just the fact that they come to us is a wonderful thing. God not only is a teacher, but He is also a very loving Father. He treasures our curious hearts.
So if you find yourself in either of these places, be encouraged. It is a good thing to wrestle and want to know, to study and dig deep. Don’t believe things just because that is what you are told. Know it for yourself. Know what you believe and why you believe it. And remember, there is always more to learn and more to know but you can have a great teacher who welcomes your questions.
:))
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