Elijah was a mighty prophet. But he had his moments. Here in I Kings he is ready to quit. He says, “that’s enough!” “I am no better than my fathers!” v. 4 (KJV). He has doubts; he has questions.

The Psalmist echoes Elijah when in v. 5 these words haunt him: “Why am I so sad? Why am I troubled?”

Jesus, centuries later, addresses the suffering of a man possessed by demons- a “Legion” of them! More misery and the man even asks Jesus “What do you want with me?! I beg you, don’t punish me!”

And on it goes. This past week has been full of questions after a horrific mass shooting. The inexplicable killing of a talented 22 year old singer. And so many other sadness’s. Perhaps a rush to answer any of these questions of sorrow is not the way forward. Of course, if asked we will make the effort, but quick religious answers may not help.

Maybe like Elijah we sit with the questions….for a while….and hope for that “still small voice” to come to us and at least say go forward. Don’t get stuck on the question or the answer that may not satisfy. Sit…wait….listen.

Perhaps faith is the only way. On this Father’s Day we will examine ourselves only in terms of faith not so much in how good an answer any of us have come up with when we suffer, when we doubt. The step forward is in trusting God WILL be there in our questioning and promises to stay with us over “the long haul.”

That seems right when we have a God we call Abba, Father, “Daddy!” The Parent who never leaves nor forsakes.

Praise be to God…..even while we sit in silence.

See you in worship!

Pastor Barry