East End

3-2-08

Have you ever heard someone ask, “If there is a God they why is there so much suffering?” This is a common question that is asked. The truth of the matter is simply this, “the fool as said in his heart there is no God” (Psalm 14:1). We must understand that we were created by God and for God. Many people treat God like a family dog. They play with Him when they want to but at other times He is expected to leave us alone. The truth of the matter is that Jesus never said that there would not be any suffering. In fact, He told His disciples to expect to suffer because of their stand for Him (John 15:20). When problems arise in life there could be two possibilities for them. First of all we may have sin in our life. The fact of the matter is that we are all sinners (Romans 3:23). Secondly it could be that God is trying to stretch your faith. In all honesty, we can not understand that mind of God. That is what He says to Isaiah in Isaiah 55:8, 9 which says, “For My (God’s) thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My (God’s) ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” We do not see things from God’s perspective and therefore we can not make judgments about what God is doing. A perfect example of this comes in John chapter 11. Jesus’ friend Lazarus had died, Jesus didn’t get there until four days after Lazarus had died. Lazarus’ sister runs up to Jesus as says, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:21). But notice what Jesus had said earlier to His disciples when Jesus was told that Lazarus was dying. Jesus said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it” (John 11:4). Martha was looking at things from her perspective, all she could see was that her brother had died. But because Jesus is God, He saw it from a different, higher perspective. He was going to bring Lazarus back to life. Not only that but people would see Him do it, this would bring Him honor because the people would know that He was who He said He was, the Son of God. He used this to teach the people as well that He and He alone has the power to give eternal life (John 11:25, 26). It is tragic to see all of the suffering in the world. It is heart breaking to see something happen to a child. And while we are tempted to think, “God how could you allow this to happen?” We must have faith and trust that God knows exactly what He is doing. That is why Paul said, “For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away…..now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I am also known” (1 Cor. 13:9-10, 12). In other words, we only know in part right now, but when we get to heaven, then we will know in full (shall know just as I am also known). I will close by giving you an illustration to prove my point. In 2002 my grandfather was called home by His Lord. I was very close to my grandfather. When he died I was angry at God because He took someone I loved. I asked the tough questions like “Why” and “How could you take Him from me?” But now looking back on it, I know God did it because my grandfather had suffered enough and it was his time. But God also used that to get my attention so that I would stop playing games with God and I would get serious. I can easily say I would not be the man I am today had it not been for my grandfather going to heaven. I focused on my pain, but God was focusing on my eternity. When you are suffering or going through a tough time hold tight to Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” God isn’t trying to hurt you, He is showing that He loves you and is always there for you! May God bless you and your family.