Waiting on God: Chapter 1

It was the worst news I could have imagined. The doctor said the tests had come back positive - stage IV cancer. Inoperable. I sat stunned, unable to comprehend how this could be happening. After years of good health, it felt like my world was crashing down in an instant. 

When I got home, I sank to my knees and cried out to God. I had been a believer my whole life, faithfully attending church and trying to walk in His ways. And now in my darkest moment, I desperately needed Him. 

"God, please take this cup from me," I pleaded. "I don't understand, but I know you have the power to heal me. Your Word says that through your stripes I am healed. I am claiming that promise for myself today, Lord. Please, take this cancer away and restore my health."

I stayed there on my knees, praying, petitioning, begging God to perform a miracle. But the days slipped by and my health continued to decline. The treatments my doctors prescribed didn't seem to be having much of an effect. Still I prayed and believed God for healing. 

As the weeks went on with no change, I began to struggle with anger and doubt. Where was God in all this? Why wasn't He answering my prayers? I had been faithful, so why had He abandoned me in my most desperate hour? 

Dark thoughts swirled in my mind. Maybe God didn't have the power to heal me after all. Maybe He just didn't care enough about me to answer my prayers. My anger toward God festered. I stopped praying or reading my Bible. I turned my back on the faith that had once seemed so sure.

Jews' Motivation for Rebuilding Jerusalem (Nehemiah 2:17)

The interpretation of Nehemiah 2:17 and the Jews' motivation for rebuilding Jerusalem can be complex and multifaceted. Here are different perspectives to consider:

**Danger:**

* The verse mentions the "broken walls" and "gates burned with fire," suggesting the city was vulnerable to attack and damage. Rebuilding the walls could provide physical protection against potential enemies.

* Nehemiah expresses concern about the "reproach" his people endure, which some interpret as fear of external threats or potential ridicule for their weakened state.

**Disgrace:**

* The broken walls could symbolize a loss of identity, security, and divine favor. Rebuilding them could be seen as reclaiming their dignity and restoring their covenant with God.

* The verse mentions the "disgrace" associated with the city's state. This could refer to feelings of shame or humiliation due to the destruction and their diminished status.

**Beyond Danger and Disgrace:**

* Some interpretations move beyond immediate threats and shame, emphasizing the importance of rebuilding Jerusalem as a fulfillment of God's promise and a restoration of their religious center.

* The project aimed to create a safe and prosperous community, signifying not just defense but also renewal and hope for the future.

Ultimately, the motivation for rebuilding Jerusalem likely involved a combination of factors, encompassing both practical concerns about danger and deeper feelings of disgrace or yearning for restoration. Understanding the historical context and considering different perspectives can help you form your own interpretation of this passage.

It's important to note that the interpretation of religious texts can be subjective and depend on individual beliefs and approaches. 

If you'd like to explore this topic further, I can provide you with additional resources from different scholarly perspectives or religious traditions.

Courage in Jesus' Presence

John 17:11, "I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep through your own name those whom you have given me, that they may be one, as we are one," can offer courage for several reasons: **1. Jesus' Presence:** Though physically absent from the world, Jesus assures his disciples (and by extension, believers) that he is coming back to the Father. This promise of his future return offers hope and anticipation, knowing that separation is temporary and reunion is certain. **2. Protection and Unity:** Jesus entrusts his followers to the Father's care, praying for their protection "through your own name." This emphasizes God's power and faithfulness to watch over his children. Additionally, Jesus prays for their unity, "that they may be one, as we are one." This unity provides strength and support within the community of believers, making them less vulnerable to the challenges of the world. **3. Overcoming the World:** Jesus acknowledges that his followers remain "in the world," which can be a challenging and often hostile place. However, he doesn't leave them alone. His presence through the Holy Spirit and his ongoing intercession with the Father provide reassurance and strength to navigate the difficulties of worldly life. **4. Divine Relationship:** The passage highlights the intimate relationship between Jesus and the Father, offering a glimpse into the divine unity. Knowing that we are part of this relational dynamic, included in Jesus' prayer, can be a source of immense comfort and security. Ultimately, the courage found in John 17:11 comes from the assurance of Jesus' presence, protection, and love, even when facing the challenges of the world. It reminds us that we are not alone, but part of a larger divine family, united in purpose and destined for an eternal future with God. It's important to note that different interpretations and applications of this verse exist within various Christian traditions. However, the core message of hope, protection, and unity remains a source of solace and strength for many believers. I hope this explanation helps! Feel free to ask any further questions you may have about this passage or its interpretation.

God's Lawgiving Power and Wisdom

The verses Job 38:8-10, where God speaks to Job through the whirlwind, offer several insights into Jehovah as a Lawgiver: **1. Universal Authority:** The imagery of God establishing boundaries ("doors, bars") for the sea, a powerful and chaotic force, emphasizes his absolute authority over all creation. This lawgiving extends beyond human societies to encompass the natural world, demonstrating his overarching power and control. **2. Order and Limits:** By setting boundaries for the sea, God establishes order and prevents chaos. This reflects his desire for a universe governed by laws and principles, ensuring stability and predictability. Similarly, human laws established by God aim to bring order and justice to society. **3. Power and Wisdom:** The forceful language used ("shut up," "burst forth") highlights God's immense power. Yet, this power is not wielded haphazardly; it is coupled with wisdom, as evidenced by the precise boundaries set for the sea. This combination of power and wisdom inspires awe and trust in God as the ultimate Lawgiver. **4. Divine Origin of Natural Laws:** The passage implies that the natural laws governing the sea are not merely observed by God, but actively established by him. This reinforces the idea that all laws, both natural and human, ultimately stem from God's will and wisdom. **5. Purposeful Creation:** The imagery of the sea's "womb" and "garment" suggests that God's laws are not arbitrary restrictions, but rather serve a purpose. Just as a garment protects and adorns, and a womb nurtures life, God's laws guide and sustain creation. In conclusion, Job 38:8-10 portrays Jehovah as a powerful, wise, and purposeful Lawgiver. His laws govern both the natural world and human societies, bringing order, justice, and stability. By understanding these attributes, we can approach human laws with a greater sense of respect and responsibility, recognizing their divine origin and purpose. Remember, these are just some interpretations of the passage. Different individuals and religious traditions may draw different insights from these verses. It's important to consider the broader context of the book of Job and engage in personal reflection to gain a deeper understanding of God's role as Lawgiver.