I'm still struggling with trying to figure out when it is our responsibility to act and when it's our responsibility to step back and let God act. It's very hard to figure out and God hasn't seen fit to tell me that either.
I think i'm under spiritual attack at some level but still I wrestle with a God who doesn't act.
I feel you on the frustration. What do you think is at the core of the frustration? I pray that you are able to analyze it...for some reason I've been able to analyze my own frustration quite a bit lately, possibly due to your own struggle. Not sure. Contention against the Lord brings on attack I think...I cannot say why this is exactly, just that it seems to be the case and a good scriptural argument could be made that it is error (sin) to do so.
So I had a thought and decided to give it to you. Do you believe the Lord
will act? If so, then the issue is impatience and submitting your own will to his perhaps? Submitting to his timing is...err...trying for some (myself included).
I mentioned the book of Jonah in another post because of the person of Jonah. I'll read back through it tomorrow, but I think he wanted judgement. The Lord's response at the end of the book gives us a good deal of clarity on his character.
Chapter 4 is the most relevant. It was almost a question asked to me..."Then said the Lord, Doest thou well to be angry?" 4:4.
He forgave an entire city that some have suggested could have had well over a million people in it. Jonah was displeased with this.
Let's suggest some of the people that are wicked in your sight he forgives and they come to know the Lord and he sets their paths straight. Would you take Jonah's response or rejoice?
There's a good bit to think about there. I want to see people turn from what they are doing and come to the Lord but if they don't...? I just hope that they do. Then sometimes my frustration in not being able to make any difference in their lives, agonizing on what I should say to sway them, what is the Lord leading me in regarding them, etc. etc. I've agonized over stuff like this, sleep illusive, until exhaustion or disassociation take hold.
Forgiveness and loving our enemies...umm...that's not exactly easy is it? You can see how from a certain perspective though how wanting judgement when you yourself have received grace and mercy is potentially counterproductive right? I'm in no way trying to call you out on this or be insulting because as I've said, I await his judgements on things to and it looks quite wrong to me sometimes, but then...he HAS saved me in his judgement...therefore, stands to reason I can and probably should withhold any judgement on how he should/shouldn't act.
It is possible that he simply doesn't allow us to see where he IS moving because we have exalted ourselves in our hearts in some way. So maybe the root is pride somewhere? Idk, it's kind of cool because I was pondering lately "
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." because lately life has been hardly that at all...but fortunately I wanted to know if I was missing something and someone was teaching along the lines of meekness on the radio and I tuned in briefly.
The preceding verse is "
29. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest for your souls." Mt 11:29
Meek and lowly of heart, not exalted and presumptive (presumptuous). So then I have to think about and consider if I have any control over my arrogance...and then recently, this is an important facet to focus on that I thank the Lord my eyes are open to at present...meekness.
I mean, think also of how the Israelites felt for 400 years being enslaved. The Lord even said that was going to happen to Abraham.
Or you know, all those horrific deaths and persecution in the NT. Is that endearing to me? Not at this time. When I'm persecuted I consider it a trial/test. It is probably quite likely that further revelation in this area is necessary, but true understanding takes a bit of time. Even being able to speak out what I go through is an unfolding in itself...but I digress. How were they able to rejoice for being counted worthy to bear shame for his name in the NT?
There's a lot of depth to the question(s) you are asking. Few believers ask them that I've seen, but they are throughout scripture regardless. I'm open to continuing the discussion, if you find that productive. Certainly prayer should be a first resort. Also, consider fasting if you fast...it can about face one's thinking in a rather productive way, but it can also be harrowing, but it is an option.