HomilyFromthePew

There is a God who rules in the affairs of men. And then there is the question, “Where is God in this matter?”

The former is an objective reality, a common confession that often requires no spine and no exceptional spiritual depth. Many proclaim “God” with ease, including those who live in contradiction of His ways, those who take His name in vain, and those who use sacred language as camouflage for deception. (Exodus 20:7; Matthew 7:21–23)

I once read about a BBC interview in which a well-known atheist, despite publicly denying God instinctively exclaimed, “Oh my God,” in the moment. Whatever one makes of that story, it underscores how effortless it can be to say “God,” even when the heart is not yielded to Him.

The wretchedness of mere objective confession is exposed in Scripture: “Even the demons believe—and tremble.” (James 2:19)

But the question, “Where is God in this matter?” and the willingness to pitch one’s tent with Him, whether rain or shine is a subjective reality: the true essence of faith’s walk and work. It is a matter of conscience, tangible and rare in its depth and sincerity.

It does not speak to perfection; rather, it is the inner reality that says: If I know it to be the will of God, I trust Him for grace to do it. I may not always get it right, but I will keep leaning into His heart, listening for His heartbeat, and obeying what I hear.

This state of being, of continually asking, “Where is God in this matter?” and choosing to stand with Him is often shepherded in the heart through the discipline of knowing, honouring, and standing by agreed tenets and terms of reference with people and organisations, in accordance with binding agreements verbal or written; customary or explicit; old order or new, handed down from generation to generation under whatever name they bear: covenant, contract, constitution, or statute.

I am far from perfect in this, but it has defined my journey of faith since February 16, 1997 both in private and in public moments.

This commitment is often costly; it can demand the supreme price of laying down one’s life. Yet the one who is truly established in that inner reality comes to know God, and to enjoy His peace, which surpasses all understanding. (Philippians 4:7)

Selah.