Monday, February 20, 2012

A lesson learned

In the last couple of weeks, I have been thinking very hard about a topic brought up in my bible study, and I felt like I needed to include what I learned here. The topic was about how as humans we often think that God causes us to suffer. We ask, "Why is He punishing me? Why did He let someone die? Why do babies suffer and die?" and questions of that nature. Often people go to the easy answer that is supposed to make you feel better by saying "God has a plan, and He is in control." Well, when you are the one hurting or suffering, that answer isn't really comforting. I know that I have said that answer to several people, and even tried telling myself that same answer, but when you think about it, that is like saying that God made someone sick or made someone die. That it was His plan.

Here is what I came to recognize the last two weeks.

First of all, I will try not give that answer to anyone any more when they are hurting. God doesn't hurt others. God is a loving God. He takes painful situations and uses them for His glory if we let Him.

When we pray for God to heal someone or for Him to protect a loved one and our prayers don't get answered, that doesn't mean that God punished us or let us hurt. The truth is, God watches us and He hurts too. I imagine his hurt is different because He knows that our loved one is joining Him, and he can see the glory in the situation already, but he hurts when He sees us suffer. The thing is, God is omniscient. He can see the past, present, and the future all at once. He gives us free will, and we are able to make choices without His stepping in. Not because He can't, but He doesn't. Often He doesn't because He can see the entire picture for ever and ever. If He were to step in and save someone now, it could so badly mess up the plans for the future that everything would be out of balance. That is how nature works. Think about how if one species dwindles, that effects the future of many other species in nature. God is in control, yes, and that control is far beyond what our human minds can imagine. A quote I heard recently is so very true: "The more I know, the more I don't know."

So, I guess my point out of all of this is that God is a loving God, and just because we don't understand why something is happening, doesn't mean that He is not there. He often uses our struggles to teach us lessons and to glorify Him even more. Just know, that if you are suffering, if you are sick, and if you are hurting...He is there. He wants you to speak to Him. He is putting people in your life, He is putting words in front of you, and He is speaking to you....open your hearts, eyes, and ears... and listen for Him. He is there.


Proverbs 3:5-6
New International Version (NIV)
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.


Deuteronomy 31:8
New International Version (NIV)
8 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”