Have you ever asked that question?

When your life is not going so well, do you ask, "How long?" before something good happens?

When the suffering goes on and on, do you ask, "How long?" before the suffering ends?

When the days and nights are filled with loneliness do you ask, "How long?" before the loneliness ends?

When the emptiness is overwhelming do you ask, "How long?" before the emptiness lessens?

When you are far away from home do you ask, "How long?" before the homesickness passes?

When your marriage is struggling do you ask, "How long?" before our marriage gets better?

When you are depressed and do not want to get out of bed do you ask, "How long?" before the depression is not so difficult?

After your husband left did you ask, "How long?" before you get over missing your husband?

Do you ever ask?

After your heart was broken did you ask, "How long?" before you would feel like living again?

When it seems like the good guys always finish last do you ask, "How long?" before the good guys win and the bad guys lose?

When it seems as though there is no justice do you ask, "How long?" before there is justice?

When temptation is constantly with you do you ask, "How long?" before the temptation goes away?

Do you ever ask, "How long, O Lord, how long?

My soul is in anguish. How long, O Lord, how long? Turn, O Lord, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love. No one remembers you when he is dead. Who praises you from the grave? I am worn out from groaning; all night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes. Away from me, all you who do evil, for the Lord has heard my weeping. The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer. All my enemies will be ashamed and dismayed; they will turn back in sudden disgrace. (Psalm 6:3-10 NIV)

Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense by N. T. Wright Destined to become a classic alongside Lewis's Mere Christianity - a fascinating and accessible apologetic for modern seekers.

Tom Norvell is the author of "A Norvell Note." He ministers at the East Brainerd Church of Christ in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

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