I love the movie Forest Gump and I quote it often.
One of the scenes that always sticks with me occurs on a shrimp boat.
Forrest and Lieutenant Dan are having terrible luck catching shrimp. When they bring their nets up, all they get is garbage. Forrest decides to pray for shrimp and starts attending a church. Even after praying, the shrimp continue to elude the clueless deckhands.
Lieutenant Dan says to Forrest “where’s this God of yours”, and at that moment a violent storm hits. After a few miraculous circumstances occur, they have more shrimp than they ever imagined. Now that’s a great moment, but it isn’t the most interesting part in that section to me.
The part I’m thinking of may disturb some people but as a pastor, I love seeing it accurately portrayed. It’s the scene where Lieutenant Dan is high up on the boat’s mast, yelling at God. He is angry and openly questioning and challenging God.
Lieutenant Dan had been through some tragic times. He was likely depressed, full of rage, and hopeless. But, he didn’t give up, he kept working hard, even through the frustration. And I absolutely love the honesty demonstrated in the scene.
I’ve been there before myself. Not in the same circumstances and maybe not to the same level. But I understand anger, doubt, frustration and more, all directed towards God. I’ve expressed those very issues with God a few times.
The Old Testament is filled with complaints, doubts, and anger directed at God. People have questioned His supposed lack of involvement, His wisdom, His love, and His very nature. We shouldn’t be surprised something like that is portrayed in a movie.
We shouldn’t be surprised when we see it in real life.
God is big enough to take doubt or anger.
God is wise enough to handle our issues.
God is loving enough to see through our words into our broken hearts.
Later in the movie, Forrest says something about Lieutenant Dan finding his peace with God.
That’s what I would want for everyone.
I generally approach God in quiet humility, knowing He is completely holy, indescribably powerful, and wise beyond my comprehension. I suggest you do the same.
But every now and then, when life has ripped you apart, when you are at the end of your emotional rope, when you physically can’t take any more, when you feel hopeless, powerless, and useless.
Go to God.
Even if it’s in doubt or anger.
Because that is infinitely better than heading away from Him.
Be transparent with God, He can handle it.
Complete honesty from you and God’s amazing grace go together like peas and carrots.
-Tom Wise