“For our
struggle Is not against flesh and blood but against rulers, the authorities,
against the powers of this dark world, against the spiritual forces of evil in
the heavenly realms.” Saint Paul -- Ephesians 6:12
“For God so
loved the world” (regardless of race, sex, financial background, label…) Jesus -- John 3:16
The forces
of darkness want to separate us from the God who loves us and wants to help us.
These
forces are real as described by Daniel, a Jewish refugee, ( Daniel 10:12-13)
and hinder the good messages getting through to us so we need to be persistent.
When we feel separated from God it can be
because we have a blockage in our relationship. This blockage can be different
for each of us. For instance:
- For Nicodemus it was his theological knowledge and Jesus told him he had to think like a child. Many adults, with all their theological wisdom can’t match the forgiveness and awe of discovery of a child.(Saint John's biography of Jesus chapter 3)
- For Nathanael it was his prejudice “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” and Philip told him “Come and see” (Saint John's biography of Jesus 1:46). Some Catholic’s have named the first night of the Alpha course “a come and see” night for folks like Nathanael.
- For the rich young ruler, it was his dependence on things, money and his own ability to be good so Jesus said to get rid of his $ and follow Him. (Mark’sbiography of Christ chapter 10:17-31)
- For Zacchaeus it was his height and his misuse of his profession but because Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus, Jesus came to him. (Dr Luke’s biography of Christ chapter 19)
- For others it’s putting a relationship with a person ahead of God. The Song of Solomon and Saint Paul’s words in Romans 1 maybe helpful here.
If you feel alone in this struggle you may find comfort in the co-founder of the Salvation Army, William Booth’s testimony found in the song “O Boundless Salvation”.
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