God's Not Dead Review

     I know this movie has been out for bit, but I don't go to the movie theater very often. I utilize the library and Redbox. However, I still enjoy going to the theater when the opportunity presents itself, as it did yesterday for Mother's Day. My son Jake, gave me two tickets to a Cinemark Theater, so I took my Mom, who would never get to go unless I take her. She wanted to see God's Not Dead, and I so did I, so that's what we saw.
     The movie was enjoyable, thought provoking, uplifting, exasperating and moving. I have seen some negative reviews, and I can see where some critics that are addicted to special effects, murder and mayhem, adulteress affairs and other such carnally appealing plots might not like this film. Sadly, many Christians might not appreciate it either. Anytime that main characters live according to their faith, in all aspects of their lives, those who don't are hard pressed to relate. Christians should be strangers in a strange land. We should be like aliens living away from home, or like alien ambassadors. But, I hope that those who took the chance and watched the God's Not Dead, for good or for bad, were given a glimpse of two very different worlds that are shared in time and space. A world where God is the source and guide for His people, and a world where people are a guide unto themselves.
     I found the ending both disturbing and hopeful. This is the point. For believers, life is filled with trials, tribulation, persecutions, tragedies, etc. of which we have no control, no one on this earth does, and yet in our faith in the saving work of Yeshua, (Jesus), and the teachings found within the bible, God works to bring us understanding, acceptance, hope, peace and love, in spite of the worst--while at the same to god works out all things to His Glory and for the good of those who trust Him. I don't have to understand the way everything works to trust God, anymore than I have to understand everything about how a car is designed in order to drive it. I just need to know the basics and the rules of the road for safety and I am ready. This life is not the end of all things. And in this light, true believers live for an eternal future, not just the here and now.
    I hope that many more people will see this movie when it comes out at the dollar movie and at Redbox. I hope that it stirs up conversations. I hope that some atheists, agnostics and peoples of other religions are encouraged to search for God and find salvation in Yeshua the Messiah, (Jesus the Christ.) The rest, at least, understand that for people like me, sharing my testimony of faith with you is an act of love, because from my perspective, I'm sharing love, peace, joy, hope and eternal life--you have the free will to decide for yourself. And, I'll still love you.

Lori Vidak
5-12-14