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We look for God-nudges, or God-nudging. We trust in confusion, alert to how the divine Love might speak through circumstances, to remind us we are not alone. We are all a spiritual network, so we can remind ourselves that odd happenings are inspired by the Network Founder and Manager to say to us, "Hey, I hear you...."
In summarization of this writing.
1) First, admit it - confusion and doubt is part of your life with others and God.
2) Honest doubt expresses closeness with God, faked certainty does not.
3) Practice faith, even when your faith is an expression of confusion or doubt.
4) Join constant prayer and alertness to ways the Divine Presence might speak to you.
5) Remember, when you are at the apparent end of your faith-rope, letting go might be the surrender that God has been seeking, to lead you to new things God has for you. Anyway, we never get to a somewhere-else that God has for us by planting our feet in the been-there-for-some-time God knows is no longer best for us. I am not teaching blind faith, which might lead to acting unwisely; I am teaching openness to divine leading and courage given by the Spirit to act when the time is appropriate, not before.
Now, most of all, see this writing as from an every-day guy - man, husband, step-father, son ... -, a contemplative, writer, and pastor who struggles like you with confusion. His honesty about confusion and doubt is a word that God most wants from us honest struggle with the mysteries of life, not easy answers that calm us but forfeit honesty. God desires us to be childlike, affirming mysteries and Presence in the midst of confusion, but not childish, seeking to deny the mix-up that gives opportunity to affirm and grow in trusting our heavenly Father.
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1) Have you gone through a time of confusion and doubt when faith was the only thing that kept you trusting that God would provide a way through to some resolution? Explain.
2) Are you comfortable with letting other persons know of your confusions about life and faith? Explain.
3) Do you find it easy or not to be honest with God about confusion, unanswered questions, and doubts?
4) Where is the "closet" where you pray to God?
5) Have your experienced God-nudges, or divine synchronicities, that affirmed you when you were struggling spiritually? Share one such God-nudge.
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*Charitable contributions would be appreciated to assist Brian in the continuance of his work of ministry. For contributions, contact Brian at barukhattah@embarqmail.com .
*Brian's book of spiritual love poetry, An Ache for Union: Oneness with God through Love, can be ordered through major booksellers, or through the Cokesbury on-line store, at www.cokesbury.com .
*Brian K. Wilcox lives in Punta Gorda, FL, and Clearwater, FL, with his wife, step-son, and two beloved dogs. Brian has an independent writing, workshop, and retreat ministry focused on Christians living as spiritual disciples of Jesus Christ in everyday life. He serves the Christ Community United Methodist Church, Punta Gorda, FL. Brian is vowed at Greenbough House of Prayer, a contemplative Christian community in South Georgia. He lives a vowed, contemplative life and inspires others to experience a more intimate relationship with God-in-Christ. Brian advocates for a spiritually-focused, experiential Christianity and renewal of the focus of the Church on addressing the deeper spiritual needs and longings of persons.
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