Doubts, fears, and dashed hopes. What now?

 

On April 7, IES Bandung reads the gospel accounts about the followers of Jesus during the 7 weeks between Easter and Pentecost. They've gone through the dashed hopes and horrors of the crucifixion on Good Friday, the day before the Jewish Passover. They've felt the euphoria of the resurrection. Read the passages here: Matthew 28, Luke 24, John 20-21.

After experiencing trauma, most of us are not the most emotionally healthy nor able to accurately assess what is going on. That's also happening to Jesus' disciples.

Between an occasional visit from the risen Jesus, the disciples go back to what they know. Some go fishing, some hide out, and others are waiting for what's next. Most are afraid - of religious and political leaders and even of Jesus, when he suddenly appears through locked doors. Some disciples doubt even with clear evidence that Jesus is among them.

They're waiting for what? Pentecost is on the horizon. But they have no idea what is coming: that Jesus will empower and send them out through the baptism by the Holy Spirit. Who could dream up such scenarios anyway? Good Friday, Resurrection Day, Pentecost ... mind-bending and beyond their wildest imaginations.

So what do you do when your spiritual life is full of doubts and fears? When your hopes are dashed or when your future is utterly uncertain? We offer 3 suggestions:

1. Do what you know. Take the next step of obedience. "The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children," Moses tells his people. (Deuteronomy 29:29) With the scriptures available, you don't have to wait for spoon-feeding from a spiritual leader. Do the work - research and read and pray! God will give you understanding along the way.

2. Share your experiences with others. Your story might help others who struggle as you do. The disciples, including those on the road to Emmaus, shared what they're seen and heard. (Luke 24)

3. Turn toward God repeatedly. Never turn away. God is sovereign and keeps his promises. He is aware of you, not afraid of your doubts and questions, and loves you beyond anything you can imagine. Elsewhere, there is no hope, only human limitations and solutions. 

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