Stop Fighting God

READ PSALM 53

Psalm 53:4 (ESV) Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge, who eat up my people as they eat bread, and do not call upon God?

Years ago an atheist friend of mine began messaging me on social media and asked me questions about my faith. I could tell something had upset him about the Christian faith and since he knew I was a pastor he came to me with some very pointed questions. Long story short, he had some anger toward God.

Mind you, a God he claimed to no longer believe in.

The source of my friends frustration was the way so called "Christians" behaved. He said, "How come those who claim to believe in Jesus do such a terrible job representing Him? Christians cause so many problems in the world?"

Really? Is that true?

I think most people wouldn't know that Christians are credited with opening the first hospitals the world has ever known. As Christianity was spreading throughout the Roman empire in the 4th century the believers in Christ established hospice care centers and hospitals to provide medical care and shelter for those in need.

Christians also played a major role in creating the model for modern day universities. The original intent of a university was to train leaders in the faith. Christians also started the first orphanages to care for children. The same could be said for homeless shelters. Christians are called to care for widows as well.

There are many more examples I could give as to how Christians represent God well, but let's be honest, that won't matter to someone who has been personally hurt by a believer in Christ. And there are plenty of examples of Christians falling short. I know I mess up ALL THE TIME!!! The pain caused by a Christian who "should know better"can do a lot of damage to a person who is struggling to believe in God. This usually results in a person fighting against God.

But let's talk about another elephant in the room when it comes to fighting against God. I think one of the main reasons people fight against God has to do with an unwillingness to submit to the authority of God. In other words, most people want to live and enjoy life (v.4 eat the bread), but refuse to recognize God as the giver of their life and bread!

Psalm 53:1 tells us this is foolish and corrupt behavior. The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." God looks down from heaven and wonders if there are any who do good.

Let me say this clearly, God is the starting place for all things in your life. He provides for you and fills your days with: Goodness, Strength, Wisdom, Knowledge, and the list goes on and on. The very fact that you are able to read this post is because of God. Think about it, your entire body is functioning and held together by God right now. There is no reason to fight against the Giver of your life. If you have been fighting against the Lord for any reason; whether it's because one of His children hurt you, or because you don't want to submit to God's authority over your life...then let me encourage you to take the gloves off.

Let the fight be over. Call upon God and let His mercy and grace wash over you. Life is better when you give it back to the One who gave it to you. I promise to pray for you.

Lord Jesus, I pray for my friend right now. I pray you would heal their heart and reveal your presence to them right now. Come into their life and show them that you are the reason for the air they breathe. Give them joy in this world that can only be found when they call upon you. Help them to stop fighting you. May they live at peace. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Josh Huisman is the senior pastor of Crosswalk Church in Brentwood, TN.

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