Finding God in the midst of suffering and moving beyond head knowledge
True Faith and Theology (with David Libby) – ATTUNE40
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Emmanuel Manishimwe sat down with David Libby to discuss the intersection of suffering, theology, and the state of the modern church. What emerged was a candid conversation about moving beyond intellectual assent to a deep, transformative relationship with God.
The Refining Fire of Suffering
David Libby’s story is not one of easy answers. He describes his family enduring many years of intense suffering. While his family is doing somewhat better now, they are not completely well, and David acknowledges they may not be fully healed in this life barring a miracle.
However, Libby views this pain through a lens of gratitude. He notes that he has reached a point where he is thankful for these trials because of the refining work they have accomplished in his life. As a result, he is not the same person he was 20 years ago and is now much closer to God.
Beyond Head Knowledge
One of the central themes of the conversation was the danger of reducing faith to mere intellect. Libby admitted that prior to his trials, his relationship with God was heavy on “head knowledge”. He noted how easy it is to get caught up in circles where it is popular to discuss theology and philosophy simply for the sake of knowledge.
It was the years of suffering that shifted his perspective. The pain brought him to a place where he truly came to love and trust God for his very next breath.
When asked what kept him from turning to other sources—such as mediums—during his darkest times, Libby referenced the Apostle Peter’s words to Jesus: “Where else would we go?”. For Libby, there is no runner-up; in the midst of hardship, there is nowhere to turn but to the true and living God.
A Warning to the Complacent Church
Libby offered a stark critique of the church in the United States, describing it as “Laodicean” and complacent. He shared a saying that if all professing Christians in the U.S. blew the dust off their Bibles simultaneously, it would create the largest dust storm in history.
He contrasted this with the persecuted church in places like Sudan, noting that while American Christians often view their ease and comfort as a blessing, it may actually be a spiritual hindrance that leads to complacency.
How to Approach Theology
For those seeking to deepen their faith, Libby offered practical advice on studying theology:
- Prioritize the Bible: The first step must be a daily reading of God’s Word. While commentaries and books are helpful, the Bible is the inerrant Word of God and must remain primary.
- Seek Relationship, Not Just Content: Theology should be a “pursuit of God,” not just a pursuit of knowledge. It is about getting to know the person who created the universe and loved us enough to pay the penalty for our sins.
- Rely on the Holy Spirit: Readers should pray before studying, asking the Holy Spirit to enlighten their minds and show them the meaning of the text.
- Avoid Shortcuts: Libby expressed deep sadness regarding pastors who use AI to write their sermons. He argued that the process of study is more important than the delivery, as the Word needs to get into the pastor’s heart before it is shared with others.
Final Encouragement
Libby’s final encouragement to the body of Christ is to nurture both the objective and subjective sides of faith. Christians must study the Word to know about God, but they must also walk with Him, lean on Him, and pray without ceasing.
If you feel your affection for God is lacking, Libby advises humbling yourself in prayer and simply asking God to increase your love for Him. As that love for God increases, love for others will naturally follow.
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