There I was, five-year-old Matt strutting down the neighborhood street in my awesome Superman pajamas–my cape was blowing in the wind and I was poised to rescue all in need of help. Well, I didn’t leap any tall buildings that day, but I did stop my neighbor friend from picking on his little sister. So…that’s something.
I grew up (sort of) and though I’ve worn many Superman t-shirts, I never quite learned how to fly. I never really learned to do anything super per se. As the picture above represents, I’ve always been more of a White Trash Superman. By “white trash” I simply mean I’m a poor excuse for Superman–that is to say, I’m not much of a super man at all. Maybe some of you can relate. Maybe you had dreams of being something great, but found reality being much different from the dreams of childhood.
Not to say we all don’t have tremendous potential, but when it comes to saving the day, most of us have trouble saving ourselves let alone someone else. Often times, it seems like we are our own super villains rather than superheroes. It reminds me of the passage in the Letter to the Romans where the Apostle Paul says something like, “I have within me the desire to do good, and yet I find myself doing evil…who can save me from myself?!” (Romans 7:19,24 - Matt Sherman Translation).
Duh-duh-duh-dah! Here comes our true Superman–Jesus, the Messiah! He is able to save us in the truest sense, as he replaces our old life with a new life–His life–and shows us how be super like Him. Of course, that’s the best part for many of us who follow after Jesus–the fact that we gain His power to love and do great works and, possibly, even miracles! However, we must never lose sight of just Who our Superman is, because it’s not any of us.
With Jesus, I am empowered to live a super life, but without Jesus, I am just a White Trash Superman.
Matt,
Every article read seems to make me go back to the drawing board and re-evaluate. What I mean to say, is any part of an article useful and if so what. Putting aside a term used in your article the greater point is who is going to save me from me. But then I think this example of saving me from me is an earthly and not a heavenly observation. Does God stop bullets or does God give me the wisdom not to put myself in the position of treat? And if I’m dumb enough to put myself in this position does God forgive me and give me a Get out of Jail card. Does God intervene prior to an accident to save his faithful? Does God save the dying? Heck I don’t know.
Point is, if bad stuff happens is it because we are faithful enough? Good grief…more coffee so my brain can wrap around this. But then, and this will get you going; if we are in the Book of Life why try harder? Pulling out my compass to find my way back to the point, if…if…if, and my point is; we can believe if we want, that every good thing that happens is an act of God or we can just say a good thing happened. In short, trying to figure this out will drive the most reasonable to a daffy state of mind. Okay, give God the Glory and you the blessing for everything. But when bad stuff happens does God take ownership?
Still trying to figure this out…
Michael
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Michael – I think the answer is yes God saves the day – but it doesn’t always look like it. His ways are not our ways hence it’s easy for us to misinterpret what happens in our life. I think when it comes to a life of faith you (and by you I mean a collective we) have to stop looking at events in our life or in the world as GOOD or BAD but rather as IS, meaning that stuff happens and to us it may seem bad but God’s purpose is often hidden from us.
I read a book recently that touched on a lot of those questions – like is God good? One of the things that really helped me was the idea that our life is God’s to give and take away – every person – as He chooses. So while a tsunami or deadly terrorist attack or my mom dying of cancer all seem heinous to me the truth is that we all will die sometime – and in most cases we will leave behind people who are crushed by it or hurt no matter how it happens or when in our life it happens.
Your questions are the questions of so many people – I often feel I have more questions than answers in regard to my faith. I just hope that eventually all my questions will lead to something solid for me to stand on.
Peace,
Melinda
Melinda,
Between the cracks of my blinds a simple light of truth found its way to a more peaceful resolve. I came to Christ at an age older than most and I’m in the process of determining what questions are non-value added. I read your reply systemically adapting to questions that I will never have answers to…this is where a transition of blind faith makes me feel like a blind man in a dark room trying to find a black cat. Learning on how to trust someone assuring me there is a black cat in the room is not only my blind faith in God but also their words should be taken with the greatest sincerity…and your words did strike this cord and I truly appreciate your examples and input.
So, and if you don’t mind; I have one parting question. What do you do if you are mad at God?
Michael
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Michael – I just saw your response and while I feel it is a valid question it’s not one I have an answer for. All I can say is that in my own life when I was angry at God I did what I would do in any relationship – I let it go. I don’t understand why He does things or why things happen but deep down I do know He means me ( or anyone else) no harm – scripture tells us that. At the end of the day it comes down to trust I think – something I struggle with almost every day.
Melinda,
Again thank you. The apex of my questions is to never cause doubt but honestly circle myself with the spiritual strong. Thank you for mentoring me during my questionable times.
Michael
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