Is God Going to Show Up for Me?

In moments of uncertainty, disappointment, and confusion, it's common to  wonder in our hearts,  "Lord, are you really there?" Dr. Sri encourages us by unpacking Jesus’ promise in the Great Commission: “I am with you always.” He explains how Christ remains present to us at all times through His Church, Scripture, the sacraments, and especially the Eucharist. 

Shownotes

1. Jesus’ Final Promise: “I Am With You Always”

Edward reflects on the closing words of Matthew’s Gospel and why Jesus’ final statement to the apostles is so important for Christians today.

Key Scripture

• Matthew 28:18–20 — The Great Commission

  “And lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.”

Key Insights

• Jesus’ final words reveal His enduring presence with His people.

• The Gospel of Matthew begins and ends with the theme of Emmanuel.

• Christ’s presence is not symbolic or distant—it is real and ongoing.

2. Emmanuel: “God With Us”

The episode explores how the title Emmanuel frames the entire Gospel of Matthew.

Biblical References

• Matthew 1:23

  “They shall call his name Emmanuel” (which means, God with us).

• Isaiah 7:14 — Prophecy of Emmanuel

Key Insights

• God did not merely send teachings from heaven; He came personally.

• Jesus is more than a prophet, teacher, or moral leader.

• Christianity is fundamentally about God dwelling with humanity.

3. The Authority of Jesus

Edward explains why Jesus begins the Great Commission by declaring His authority.

Biblical References

• Matthew 28:18

  “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”

• Matthew 3:16–17 — Jesus’ baptism

• Matthew 5–7 — Sermon on the Mount

• Matthew 7:28–29

  “He taught them as one who had authority.”

• Matthew 8–9 — Jesus’ healing ministry

• Matthew 10:1

  Jesus gives the apostles authority to preach and heal.

Key Insights

• Matthew emphasizes Jesus’ divine authority throughout the Gospel.

• Jesus exercises authority through:

• • Teaching and preaching

  • Healing and miraculous works

• Christ later shares this authority with the apostles and the Church.

4. The Two Pillars of Jesus’ Ministry

Edward highlights two central dimensions of Jesus’ public ministry.

Pillar #1: Teaching the Kingdom

• Sermon on the Mount

• Proclaiming truth and calling people to discipleship

Pillar #2: Healing and Restoration

• Physical healing

• Spiritual healing

• Restoration through grace

Biblical References

• Matthew 5–7 — Teaching ministry

• Matthew 8–9 — Healing ministry

• Matthew 10:7–8 — Apostolic mission

5. The Great Commission and the Church

The Great Commission continues Jesus’ ministry through the apostles and the Church.

Biblical References

• Matthew 28:19–20

  “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…”

• Baptismal formula:

• • “In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”

Key Insights

• Jesus remains present through:

• • Scripture

  • Church teaching

  • Sacraments

  • The communion of saints

• Baptism is described as a supernatural healing of the soul.

• The Eucharist is emphasized as Christ’s unique and powerful presence.

6. When God Feels Absent

Edward addresses seasons of:

• Spiritual dryness

• Suffering

• Confusion

• Unanswered prayers

• Emotional distance from God

Questions Many Christians Ask

• “Lord, where are You?”

• “Why hasn’t this situation changed?”

• “Why am I not changing?”

• “Can I really trust You?”

Key Insight

Faith often involves holding onto truth even when emotions cannot perceive God’s presence.

7. Learning from the Saints in Darkness

Edward points to saints who endured deep spiritual trials.

Saints Mentioned

• Thérèse of Lisieux

• Mother Teresa

Key Insights

• St. Thérèse clung to the Creed during her trial of faith.

• Mother Teresa honestly cried out to God in spiritual darkness.

• Holiness does not eliminate suffering or seasons of silence.

8. The Psalms Teach Honest Prayer

The episode emphasizes the importance of bringing authentic emotions to God.

Key Scripture

• Psalm 13:1–6

  “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?”

Key Insights

• The Psalms model honest, emotional prayer.

• God invites us to bring:

• • Fear

  • Anger

  • Sorrow

  • Frustration

  • Confusion

• Prayer becomes transformative when it turns from monologue to dialogue.

9. From Monologue to Dialogue

A central takeaway from the episode.

Key Insight

Many people stay trapped in:

• Internal analysis

• Anxiety

• Self-focused thinking

• Attempts to control outcomes

Instead, Christians are invited to:

• Lift their eyes toward God

• Speak honestly with Him

• Entrust pain and uncertainty to Him

Key Takeaways

• Jesus’ promise to remain with us is foundational to Christian life.

• God’s presence is real even when not emotionally felt.

• Christ remains with His people through:

• • The Church

  • Scripture

  • Sacraments

  • The Eucharist

• Spiritual darkness is a normal part of many saints’ journeys.

• Honest prayer deepens intimacy with God.

• The Psalms provide language for suffering and trust.

• Faith means clinging to truth even amid uncertainty.