Children for generations have played a game called blind man’s buff. You may remember, the premise of the game is that one person is blindfolded (that person is labeled it, as in you’re it, versus, not it) while all the other players are not blindfolded. The “blind man” is spun around several times to disorient him, or her, and the other player’s scatter. Once the person who is “it” stops spinning, they must find and tag someone who then becomes the new blind man. The object is not to be tagged. To add a twist to the game, playing at night somewhat levels the playing field and is more fun.
Sometimes, one might think God is playing a heavenly version of blind man’s buff, when we see ourselves as the “it” player and Jesus is trying to avoid being found; just when we think we are close, He weaves and dodges our request. Or, maybe when we pray for something, and the answer is not what we expect or want, we get frustrated or angry and want to quit seeking God altogether. In other words, we don’t want to “play” anymore.
Many years ago, I was navigating a personal crisis. Confident after praying for the most logical solution, you might imagine my disappointment when God did not follow my line of logic. However, more than disappointment, the All-Powerful Creator delivered me into His classroom of His sovereign authority. For months, I searched the Bible and discovered people just like me who had come face to face with one of the mysteries surrounding God’s omnipotence. Many such stories exist, but the one that spoke volumes to me and continues to resonate in my heart and my mind is Job. Job was a godly man, always seeking God’s will, but he was also flesh and blood just like me. He suffered great loss and endured excruciating physical pain, with no explanation as to why; yet without understanding, he remained steadfast to his knowledge of God’s sovereign power.
And then, there is Jesus, God’s only Son. Jesus agonized in the Garden of Gethsemane before He was crucified, praying “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from me; nevertheless, not My will but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42, NKJV). We know God’s answer, and today, on this side of the resurrection, we understand that God’s solution was the greatest, sweetest gift humanity has ever been given.
Friend, if you are wrestling with God in prayer over something, anything, please know He hears you. God’s answer, as it is for all His children is for your good and His glory. (Romans 8:28).
“Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near.” Isaiah 55:6, NKJV
Sherry Sharp
P.O. Box 4233
Richmond, VA 23242
804-327-0710 ext. 6