Prayer Tip: Doubt and the Existence of God

by Chris Holliday, Resurrection West Connection & Care Pastor and Adult Discipleship Director

Greetings from New York City, one of my favorite places to be! I love the energy, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, the shows, museums, parks and so much more. But do you know what I love the most? The people. For many years, my wife Lisa led mission trips to NYC and I was blessed to co-lead a few times.

First, we would consider how this place came to be. We’d go to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island to learn about the many immigrants who came to find freedom and a brighter future. We’d visit the Tenement Museum and discover families who endured difficult living and working conditions to pursue their dreams. We’d tour the Jewish Heritage Museum to remember the roots of our faith and the tragedy of intolerance and hate. We’d explore China Town and Little Italy and celebrate how diversity enriches us. Then, we’d continue developing those themes by joining new friends to serve people in need.

At the end of each day we asked, “Where did you see God today?” Almost always the answer was “in the people.” Beautiful stories were shared about our time with volunteers, people we served and people we met on the street or in delis. The participants felt they received more from the experience than the people they served. They felt changed, transformed even. Whenever I doubt God, I remember those trips and the ways in which we saw our Creator everyday – through the people of New York and through one another. Doubt may be inevitable, but God’s loving presence is forever.

As you pray today, I invite you to reflect on those in whom you’ve seen God recently. Maybe it was through an act of kindness, a conversation or just a smile. Give thanks and ask the Lord to shine through you also, that others might know and experience God’s love, grace, peace and hope.