Jesus didn’t bring me formulas

Trent Erwin
Jul 25, 2017 · 2 min read
Photo by Roman Mager on Unsplash

I think I’m too literal and straightforward. Part of it is me and part of it is the period of time I’ve grown up in. We want literal proof of all sorts of things.

But when it comes to God and Jesus and the Bible, there really aren’t formulas to be had. As much as I’d like there to be, there aren’t.

If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer. Matthew 21:22

Sounds like a formula, right? Sure does to me.

And I think that’s why I get upset with Jesus at times. I’m like, “Jesus, I’m asking for things in prayer but you’re not giving them. Why aren’t you fulfilling your end of the bargain?”

But it’s not a formula.

And that’s confusing as all get out.

Jesus even prayed right before he was killed that maybe there would be another way for God to go forward with his plan of redemption. And… nope, no change.

We can’t forget, although, the part where Jesus believes in the plan and surrenders to himself to God’s control.

See — formulas are all about control.

We want to use Jesus and God and the Bible to control our life and our world. But there aren’t formulas, and that’s really really hard to accept.

One of my favorite authors (Donald Miller) writes to this point: “…Makes me wonder if what we really want from the formulas are the wishes, not God.”

So… I need to stop looking at the Bible for formulas. I need to stop being so literal and straightforward in my thinking because it compromises the essence of what Jesus came to do in our lives… to redeem and restore. Not to give us control.

For Jesus to meet with us, speak to us, cry with us, laugh with us, enjoy us, be with us and love us.

We seek formulas because we seek control. While we should seek to just know, trust and believe Jesus.

Trent Erwin

Written by

I make some videos. I write some. I enjoy good coffee. Traveling is fun. Hope to inspire others.

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