“When disillusioned, we too can be startled by the unexpected loss of light. But to paraphrase my now-not-so-little Louie, it is okay. The Light of the World still is, even when we cannot see, hear, of feel Him.”- Alicia Britt Chole
“It’s okay. The sun is still on.”- Alicia’s son Louie, then age 5
In Chapters 14 and 15 (“Something New, Parts 1 and 2”) of The Night is Normal, Alicia Britt Chole talks about three broad categories of dissing illusions about Jesus. The illusions include Jesus’:
1. Timing. We experience times when God seems utterly absent, as Mary and Martha did when Lazarus died. However, at other times, like the disciples on the stormy Sea of Galilee, Jesus’ presence is obvious. Yet, from our perspectives, He seems curiously unengaged. But, from an eternal viewpoint, God never ignores or overlooks us.
2. Words. One instance of the disciples’ disillusionment with Jesus’ words makes Dr. Chole smile. This happened after Jesus confronted some Pharisees and teachers of the law. Jesus called the leaders hypocrites and rebuked them. Consequently, in Matthew 15:12 (NIV), the disciples questioned Jesus’s words: “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?”
Certainly, then and now, Jesus’ words possess the potential to cause offense. However, Jesus cares more about truth than diplomacy. In addition, Dr. Chole notes, Jesus expresses more devotion to reality than to illusions of peace.
3. Ways. Above all, Dr. Chole exhorts, Jesus’ very breath sustains us. Yet His timing, words, and ways can disillusion us. Because what Jesus did, whom He called, how He spent His time, and where He went surely baffled even the closest of His followers.
Therefore, Dr. Chole underscores:
“[Jesus] does not operate within anticipated timetables. His speech and His silence do not correlate with anything predictable. What He does (and does not do) with His power is beyond our comprehension.”
Thus, we need the tools to navigate when the light of our faith in God flickers and seems to go out.
Today’s question: What Bible verses most help you deal with the unexpected loss of light? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “The real gain of honesty”
