after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
To him be the power for ever and ever.
Amen.
1 Peter 5:10-11
After reading Come Be My Light, a collection of the private writings of Mother Teresa, some people have been devastated by the revelation of Mother Teresa's doubts that God even existed, while others are breathing a sigh of relief that someone like Mother Teresa struggled with faith as well. She was human after all, and if we are honest, haven't we all had doubts...especially when we are walking in the midst of pain?
Pain. It visits everyone. No respecter of persons. It comes to us when we weep over prodigal children, strained relationships, financial stress, serious illness, death.
Recently I spoke to a lady with a different kind of pain. She tearfully shared that she had been a Christian for years, but was having doubts, and even in 'a dry place.' She went on to say she felt unfulfilled, even though she was very involved and serving in her church. I know where she is. I have been there ... recently.
I believe people are beginning to look beyond religion to embrace the reality of life in Christ. Life in Christ is just that. In Christ and Christ in me. The emptiness that we feel as Christians at times comes from a mistaken identity. Our identity should be in Christ alone. Not in our prestige, power, position, prosperity, poverty, or pain. Our situations and our circumstances, good or bad are temporal.
Charles Stanley says, "Your identity is secure because of who lives inside you, not because of what you do."
Anyone God uses significantly is always deeply wounded...We are, each and every one of us, insignificant people who God has called and graced to use in a significant way...On the last day, Jesus will look us over not for medals,diplomas, or honors, but for scars. Brennan Manning in Ruthless Trust
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