Crisis of Faith

Maybe you watched Lost, maybe you didn't but I think there is something in this video for everyone.  I think this was one of the best few minutes in television history.  I think there is a deep spiritual moment in this ABC drama that maybe a few people overlooked.

What happened to Richard in this scene was that he had a crisis of faith.  He had basically been giving immortality and witnessed supernatural things that would make anyone a believer, but even he had a crisis of faith deep enough that he doubted his purpose and wanted to die.  The thing that energizes me about this scene is what Jack did.  He could have left Richard to work it out on his own but he didn't.  He went onto a boat full of dynamite and lit a stick.  In that moment, Richard needed someone with a faith stronger than his to get down and dirty in his fear and disbelief and see him through it.  

How does this apply to Biblical parenting?  First, we all need to have lighthouse moments like Jack had.  We can't testify to our kids about how God works miracles and how our anchor of hope is lodged in something real and tangible if we haven't experienced it for ourselves.  Second, we have to be willing to light the stick of dynamite.  We have to be there when they can't see God's plan and ride it out with them.  Tonight my daughter asked me if God was real.   I was so glad that I could give her a list a mile long of how I know He is real. Because I believe this verse:

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 1 Peter 3:15

applies to our kids as well.  

Have you been to the lighthouse lately?  Have you seen miracles?  Have you stepped back to see how God has been working out an infinite number of miracles in your life for His glory?  He wants to reveal himself to you.  And He wants you to be there for others (including your children) when their pain is so deep that they can't see out.  Get in the boat and light the stick and see what God does.  Okay, you don't really need to set anything on fire.  But be there and tell them that He is the same yesterday, today and forever.  


Because He was, He is and He will be.