English Standard Version
I've always admired Nicodemus. He was brave enough to come to Jesus, even if he had to come by night, and tell him what was on his heart, that the things he had seen had led him to a certain conclusion, even if Nicodemus didn't fully understand everything he had witnessed. There was enough of a strand for him to follow, and so he let it lead him to Jesus.
Are we brave enough to be completely honest with God? It's easy to go to God and pretend you've got it all together. I do it all the time. I pretend that I can fool the God who crafted me in my mother's womb, who knit together my inward parts, who whispered my name before the mountains were drawn from the sea. I convince myself that if I pray my prayers right, then it won't matter that parts of my life may be falling apart or that I've got huge questions with no answers. Maybe God won't look behind this curtain over here...
God can handle our big questions, our failures, our joys and our sorrows. God stands at the door and knocks, longing to come in and eat with us. I like to imagine a conversation that ranges from the pure delight at the wonder of good food to the deepest disappointments of my life to the greatest wonder and beauty that I have experienced. God knows all, and God loves us just the same, coming to us in love and grace.
So let us come to God with everything, even if it's by night with questions or a confession that may not be fully formed. That's ok -- we come to Christ and find a love greater than we thought possible.
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