Why does God allow suffering and broken-heartedness in the lives of Christians? Why are we living in an increasingly dangerous world of persecution, suffering, and war? Why is there abuse of all kinds and hardships in our world? If you are a family caregiver, why did your loved one become ill? Why is there suffering of any kind in this world? If God is a God of miracles, why doesn't God just fix things?
There are no easy answers to these questions. We do know that sin entered this world when Adam and Eve, the first people, disobeyed God. Hence, we no longer live in a perfect world. It is now a world affected by sorrow and sickness. Also people make bad choices sometimes which unfortunately affects other people as well.
Jesus said we would face trials in this life. He also said, however, that we can take heart, because He has overcome the world (John 16:33 in the New Testament of the Bible). He has promised to always be with us and never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5b in the New Testament). We also have the assurance that someday all will be made right and perfect when He returns.
Being my first husband's caregiver and watching his body deteriorate and fighting breast cancer myself during part of that time was a very difficult experience for me. There have been trials that have continued/continue to follow me in the years since that time in my life such as family members who are going through trials I never would have imagined. This by default affects me and those who love me. I have had my own bodily aches and pains as well. Why did/does God allow that in my life?
There are no easy answers to these questions. I do know God has used the difficult experiences in my life to teach me valuable lessons. I am learning that I am not in control. I am learning of the need to depend on the Lord, even though I still am prone to fret and try to solve things in my own strength. I am learning of the need to seek God for Himself and not for what He can give me.
I have seen His faithfulness over and over. Through trials I have grown and continue to grow in my love for the Lord. I have come to know not just in my head but in my heart in a deeper way the truths of His promises. I often still get easily discouraged, but I know that feelings are not a measure of God's truths. Feelings do not negate God's promises to always be with me.
We have just experienced another Good Friday and Easter in mid April. Christ suffered unimaginable suffering, so we could be saved. In his book, Gentle and Lowly, Dane Ortlund, says the following, "To you I say, the evidence of Christ's mercy toward you is not your life. The evidence of His mercy toward you is His-mistreated, misunderstood, betrayed, abandoned. Eternally. In your place. If God sent His own Son to walk through the valley of condemnation, rejection, and hell, you can trust Him as you walk your own valleys on your way to heaven."
In yet another chapter in his book Dane Ortlund says this, "You have often left Him; has He ever left you? You have had many trials and troubles; has He ever deserted you? Has He ever turned away His heart, and shut up His bowels of compassion? No, children of God, it is your solemn duty to say 'No,' and bear witness to His faithfulness."
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