God's Not So Silent Silence.

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Guys. I am incredibly humbled reading this book. It is so real, so raw. It shows so well the tensions that truly come with surrender and worship to YHWH. I have not yet finished the book but I am already being challenged with the question of how I count the cost of my salvation and relationship with my Savior on a daily basis, let alone in the puny hardships that I face. It's weighty, you know? A challenge I think all believer's should be pressed with on occasion. It keeps us genuine to our purpose.

I can't get over Kichijiro's lingering presence throughout Rodriguez's journey. I am confused by it, humbled by it, and encouraged by it. He is attracted to faith and the Lord but does not stand by it, he clings to the presence of faith and the acceptance of the church but he betrays it, and then he relentlessly follows the man of faith in his life despite his previous betrayal. Indeed, he is two-faced. Indeed, he is a sinner- a blatant and low sinner. Are we not all? (Ouch.) Rodriguez's reaction to Kichijiro's contradicting actions is probably one of the more encouraging points of his character. I do see him learning from the example and life of Christ in his response to Kichijiro's hypocrisy. I see Christ's love present in his interaction. Indeed, it is not perfect, but it is present. I think this is sure-sign of God's work in Rodriguez's own sanctification. Is not this where we learn the most, outside of ourselves? Maybe God is not so silent in "Silence," could He be responding in ways that are uncanny? Sounds like the God I serve.

This message strikes so many chords within me. We see an affection for Kichijiro growing within Rodriguez despite all of Kichijiro's low character traits. He knows his tendencies yet he still extends grace, even though he doesn't feel like it. I see this as the Holy Spirit working within Rodriguez. How hard it is to love those who have taken advantage of you... but it's what Christ did and Rodriguez knew that. I think he ultimately does the same with Kichijiro and even if this is the only impact he makes in his whole faith journey for Christ, I believe God would see it as worthy. (Of course I have not yet finished the book...I am still hoping faithfully Rodriguez does not apostatize.)


I commented on Sophia's and Michael's.

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