Is This a Joke? Navigating Through Disbelief

There are moments in life that strike us so unexpectedly, so shockingly, that the only words we can muster are, "Is this a joke?" or "You've got to be kidding me." These instances leave us questioning reality, unable to process the situation unfolding before us. Whether it is a betrayal by someone we trusted, a sudden loss, or an overwhelming obstacle, disbelief grips our minds, freezing us in a state of confusion. We struggle to understand how such things can happen, and in our search for clarity, we turn to faith, looking for answers in the wisdom of God’s Word.

Disbelief is not simply a feeling of surprise—it is a moment where logic and understanding fail to explain what is happening. It is a sense of shock so profound that it challenges everything we thought we knew. This reaction is common when life takes unexpected turns, leaving us wondering how to move forward.

In the Bible, one of the most powerful moments of disbelief is found in John 11, when Jesus' close friends, Mary and Martha, mourn the death of their brother Lazarus. They had sent word to Jesus, expecting Him to come and heal Lazarus, yet He arrived four days after Lazarus had died. Mary, overwhelmed with sorrow, said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died" (John 11:32). Her words reflect deep disappointment and disbelief—how could Jesus, the one who had performed countless miracles, allow this to happen? Yet, in their despair, they did not realize that the situation was not the end. Jesus, in His perfect timing, raised Lazarus from the dead, revealing that God’s power is never limited by human expectations.

Life presents us with circumstances that challenge our faith, making us wonder if God is truly in control. Losing a job unexpectedly, hearing devastating news, or facing personal trials can all create this overwhelming feeling of disbelief. When faced with such situations, we may feel abandoned or helpless. However, Scripture reminds us that trials are not meaningless—each difficulty has a purpose, shaping and strengthening us in ways we may not immediately understand.

Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs us to, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight." This verse highlights the truth that our understanding is limited, but God sees the full picture. He is always working, even when we cannot comprehend His ways.

When disbelief strikes, the natural reaction is to question, to resist, and sometimes, to despair. But faith calls us to respond differently—to surrender the situation to God and trust that He is present, even in the chaos.

Joseph, sold into slavery by his own brothers, had every reason to feel betrayed and lost. Yet, despite years of suffering, he remained faithful. In Genesis 50:20, Joseph tells his brothers, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." His story is a reminder that what seems unfair or impossible in the moment may lead to greater blessings in the future.

Navigating through disbelief requires faith—faith that God is in control, faith that He is working for our good, and faith that His plans are always greater than ours. Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." Though life can throw unexpected challenges at us, God’s wisdom surpasses human understanding.

Disbelief will come, often at times we least expect it. But when life leaves us asking, "Is this a joke?" let us remember that God is never surprised. He is always in control, always working, and always faithful. Will you choose to trust Him when reality shakes your faith, knowing that He holds the answers even when you cannot see them?

Bishop Charlene M. Jamison

North Carolina Diocese Jurisdictional Prelate

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