Apologetics with Alecs

Have you ever been so sure of something that no one could talk you out of? Have you ever found out later you were wrong?

Picture it: America. January 2021. My whole world felt upside down. I had been so sure. I just knew that they were right. They had to be. God wouldn’t lie. Let’s back up…

I am sure we all remember what 2020 was like. First, locked down for a virus that we had just learned of (opinions vary). Then, the summer of fiery, “mostly peaceful,” protests all over the nation. (I would like to say that not everyone who protested was a part of the riots. The heart behind the uprising may have been good, but there are parts that weren’t.) Lastly, the second weirdest election cycle (I believe the most recent was weirder) ever.

Along with the weirdness of the election, there came a group of “prophets.” These men and women took to their YouTube channels, livestreams, magazines, etc., to tell the church that they had heard from God. They knew who the next president would be, and what the next four years would be like. There was a massive “revival” coming, and everything would be made right. As a Christian, who wouldn’t want that.

As a pastor’s kid, I had heard the stories of the prophets in scripture. I knew that, if God said it, it would happen. I still believe this. I started to listen to these “prophets” every day. I would listen to them on repeat. I wanted every detail I could catch, so that I knew what to look for.

Unfortunately, I started noticing that the goal posts were always moving. Not to mention, there weren’t a lot of details to grab on to. I started trying to convince myself that I was the one wrong, and I just needed more faith. I argued with people over what was being said and trying to convince people of what I “knew.” The Lord graciously reminded me otherwise.

I had reached a point when I couldn’t do it anymore. I was exhausted trying to work up a faith I didn’t have. I felt like I had been wrestling with God, just not like Jacob. I wanted Him to do what I thought best. I thought wrong. When the dust settled, and I gave up, I was left in confusion. I couldn’t understand how people could claim they heard from God and been so wrong. Who do I trust now? Who do I listen to?

I was broken. Then God reminded me of this: God is good. He does good. This is for my good, and the good of others. It just sucks right now. I am hoping that this lesson will be good for you too. I realized I didn’t know God, or His word. It’s time to start over…