What Happened to God? (Part 2)

Dear Kelly,

You asked, “What happened to God?”

I have asked that question, more than once. Where is He? Why does He let the bad stuff happen? Why does He seem so far away?

God is here, with us. I think you know that, but it may seem that He is not with us the way we are told by other people. He is not with us even in the way we want Him to be with us. But He is with us.

That can make us uncomfortable because we are sure how to talk to Him, or even if we ever really knew Him, or He us. You wondered if God even cared even though He knows your name.

What happened is that we get lost. Sometimes it's the fog of self absorption, and addiction. Other times we are lost in depression. Whatever it is, when the thing we are fighting, like alcohol, seems bigger than God, it’s because we are standing so close to it that we can’t see anything else. God is still there and bigger than the demons you fight.

I have no quick answer for you but I do have an answer. It always comes down to your relationship with Christ and learning to tap into the power of the Holy Spirit. I have shown many people how to do this, but there is no religious formula, just an exploration and development of an intimacy with the Lord.

If you have time, I can help you begin the journey back, free from the chains of addiction, and with a new reason to live, now and forever.

The enemy of your soul does not want you to be free so you are going to have to fight back and make the hard choices. He is there. He is ready to help, and is helping you find your way to those who can help you. You are close, so don't quit now.

I have several people in my congregation who can tell you how God set them free from what you know and worst. I would love for you to meet them and hear their stories.

So here’s hoping we will meet…until then my prayers are still with you.

Pastor John

What happened to GOD?

I recently received this post from "Kelly" (a.k.a) and I was truly touched by his comments. I have tried to reach him direct but was unable to get through. I am posting this hoping he will read my reply. I think you will be touched by his comments as well. So here is Kelly's question. My response will come soon. Please join me in praying for Kelly after you read his post.

Pastor John R.Wiuff

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Pastor John,

I have no clue how to start this.

I am in jeopardy due to issues in my life and at 63, confusion about my faith is more than I can almost endure. I have tried to come to your church and the other large one on your street but nothing brings me there. I get ready, buy cannot seem to get to either one of these places to worship.

I do not know anymore how to pray, what to think of a higher power I choose to call GOD when so much is happening to me and others. We have no control over what is happening.

What happened to GOD?

There is a country/western song that sings of: GOD is busy. Is HE that busy to remember me by name? Is HE that busy to hear me but not care??

I am an alcoholic since 12 years old. Nothing helps. NO meetings, groups, meds and I am about at wits end.

Tell me how you can help me please. My entire life has been stress and even in that, I work a 40 hour week, I am clean and keep up bills and my home and cat Annie. There is nothing much life can offer me anymore and I am tired of trying to find some solace, or peace.

Just to wait on death is a horrible place to be when others suffer to stay alive. Your bulletin today struck me hard as it is beautiful in green and words matter to me. A friend brought that to me early today, Sunday. Lovely and I will pray as best I can for those offered up in your bulletin.

Thank you Pastor and one day I hope to get to see you. Pray for me please to get the nerve to be in your church some one of these days.

For now let’s just refer to me as Kelly. That is not my name but I am afraid to be honest with anyone anymore.

Good Day to you Pastor John.