“In the season of desolation, we discover how much of our Christian devotion and obedience are fueled not by faith but by sight, not by God’s grace but by our virtuous efforts in the flesh. We come to see that we have internalized equations in our souls that we use to determine if we are doing well. . . . We want to gaze at ourselves and our formation instead of looking to Jesus.”- Kyle Strobel and John Coe
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”- Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)
Kyle Strobel and John Coe continue Chapter 7 of When God Seems Distant as they note one of the reasons for disorientation in the desert. We become accustomed to seeing sin as an aspect of ourselves that we want to leave behind. Yet, at the same time, we subconsciously hold on to our virtues. We think, Well, at least I have these (emphasis authors’).
Therefore, Kyle and John stress, in this season God moves you away from a sensual Christianity. A system where you use your senses to measure God’s presence and your goodness. Because you use your virtues and spiritual experiences as a way to secure yourself.
In conclusion, the authors address what happens when all feels dead in the desert:
“The question is where this experience leads them. Will this deadness cause them to draw near to the Lord by faith, or will they go looking for other avenues to live by their senses to reawaken their passion so they feel better? . . . When this happens, where do we turn? We often try to pump up our wills — exciting ourselves with passion — to try to feel alive again instead of drawing near to the Lord in the truth of what is going on in our souls.”
Today’s question: What internalized equations reside deep in your soul? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Using God as a form of self-help?”