Praying Through Pain: Moving From Grief to Praise a 10 - Day Plan by Kathy-Ann C. Hernandez, Ph.d.Sample

Day 4

Getting Real With God

Difficulties in life affect Christian believers in unique ways. We might find ourselves struggling to find a mate, to conceive, or to find meaningful work. Perhaps, even as you read this, you are facing the diagnosis of a life-threatening disease, still coping with the residuals of abuse, divorce, and on and on. Ultimately, however, if we choose to deal with our delays, losses, or life challenges, we end up at the place where these crises put our relationship with God to the test. And even though we know that sin has corrupted God’s perfect plan for us, life challenges provoke thoughts that impact our continuing trust in God. The underlying question becomes: “Is God really looking out for us?”

In the months that followed my return to the United States after burying my father, questions circled in my mind that challenged my faith. As I delved into scripture, I found that I was not alone in this. In fact, I was in good company. Many of the Bible characters we most admire had moments of doubt. In 1 Samuel 1, we see the example of Hannah, a woman in distress over her infertility and God’s slow response. She was so distraught that she had lost her appetite and was constantly weeping. When Eli found her in the temple, she was telling God everything. She was not holding anything back. And God was listening. Her experience and many others illustrate that this authentic prayer exchange is the path to deeper intimacy with God.

As we go through grief, we find ourselves ready to talk to God in a way we may have never done before. This is not the kind of knee-sweeping prayer that gets us through the minor hurdles of life. This is the kind of spiritual experience that has left me in tears. This is a kind of snot running down my nose, crying out in anguish, mumbling words over and over in incoherent speech; and I don’t even know how long I have been praying kind of prayer. This is a crazy prayer. And yet, those sincere prayers in our most difficult times move the heart of God. The Spirit takes imperfect utterings from a broken heart and presents them to the Father, and they are like a sweet fragrance in His presence.

Reflect

Reflect on the words of the psalmist David in Psalm 13 1-2. Like David, how can you get real with God about a personal challenge you have faced or are facing?