I'm reading Brennan Manning's book Ruthless Trust and can I just say WHEW! While I wouldn't say I align myself theologically with all of Manning's writings (Franciscan Priesthood v. Evangelical Free) I think he is spot on with much of what I have been reading here.
I've been struggling recently (most of my life) with just giving God all of my un-abandoned trust. Knowing, and resting in the fact that he (God) is HUGE and ABLE. Able to see my needs and meet them. Able to go before me into situations that scare the living day lights out of me. What I have found recently is that I want comfort, God wants Christ-likeness.
Manning writes this,
"We often presume that trust will dispel the confusion, illuminate the darkness, vanquish the uncertainty, and redeem the times. But the crowd of witnesses in Hebrews 11 testifies that this is not the case. Our trust does not bring final clarity on this earth. It does not still the chaos or dull the pain or provide a crutch. When all else is unclear, the heart of trust says, as Jesus did on the cross, "into your hands I commit my spirit." (Luke 23:46)"
I sometimes would prefer a crutch... something to fix it and dull the pain. That's not what Christ offers, what he does offer is a promise that he IS THERE. and He is.
God has shown up, even today. I fell apart a little last night. Scared and frustrated I asked several friends to be in prayer, and today God showed me that he's with me. The presence of Christ in my life through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is better than ANY crutch or pain relief.
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