The Sunday Sermonette – Where’s Weston? Where’s God?
In the Fall of 2005, my dear friends Fred and Jennifer Signs invited me to join them and their three-year-old son, Weston, for a respite from Hurricane Katrina’s catastrophic destruction. And what better place to do so than Disney’s Magic Kingdom! Seeing green trees and grass that were not beaten lifeless and brown by swirling, salty wind, seeing laughing people and not crying ones, along with the smiles of children, was the healing “Balm in Gilead” that helped restore our souls.
Three-year-old children are a handful, and Disney sends them into overdrive with its rides and amusements. It also heightens their childlike imaginations. Weston loved playing games, and in one of those games, “Where’s Weston?” he thought he was invisible. He’d scramble around our Boardwalk hotel room until he found a blanket or sheet. Then, he dove under it in a dashing flash, sitting upright, covered head pointing upward, bold as brass.
“Where’s Weston,” rang out, as his parents and I played his favorite game. He’d giggle. We’d call out. Finally, after many minutes, Weston would pull the cover off his head and yell, “I’m here!” Everyone had a hearty laugh, and then, after many tiring repeats of the game, we’d escape into the magic of Disney World.
Do we, as believers, sometimes think we are invisible, as little Weston did? Do we play a game, hiding under our snuggly blankets or our velvety duvet covers, thinking all’s right with the world? Do we stow away under the silky sheets of our achievements, thinking we don’t need God’s help? Or under the flowery bedspread of our busy lives, avoiding quiet moments with God. Do we long for Father God to play along with us, saying, “Where’s so-and-so,” only to hear nothing, resounding silence in the hotel rooms of our lives? Then do we mumble from under the covers, “Where’s God?”
There are times in our lives when God seemingly hides from us. When the crazy quilt of life fails to protect us from the world’s craziness, do we then—and only then—cry out, “Where’s God?” If you’re struggling through a rough patch, please know that Father God isn’t playing some cruel heavenly game with you. He takes no pleasure—none—in seeing you suffer. However, please don’t stop praying to Him, even if it seems your words are bouncing off the ceiling. Never forget: He’s listening because He loves you.
During those times when Father God seems far away, ask yourself why. Are you trying to hide all your little secret sins from Him—secret sins that we all have? Are you being disobedient? Or rebellious? Both of which will always put distance between you and God.
The Good Book rings out with good news, though! Proverbs tell us if we try and conceal our sins and shortcomings, we will not prosper. But if we don’t hide them and ask for mercy, we’ll find it because Father God is the Lord of Mercy and delights in forgiving us with His love.
If you feel God has deserted you, ask yourself who moved, then search for Him. He can be found in His Word, in worship, and through prayer. Please don’t hide under your quilt, expecting Father God to come looking for you. Go looking for Him because He is always near, always waiting, and always desires to spend time with you.
Ponder this and go forth.
