Question:
Hey Bro, I need some help.....how do I believe in a "god" that shows so much hurt and sorrow. This is still a third world country I live in, regardless that we have the tallest building in the world & man made islands & wealth beyond dreams. Man doesn't care about man here, and the way animals are treated is inhumane. The shock I see on street workers faces' because I'm trying to rescue puppies from the street is shocking in it's self. They wonder why someone cares so much about an animal, when no one cares about people. What is "god's" lesson here. xoxo Staci
Answer:
Great question! It really gets us thinking about why things happen - Why the evil and even why do good things happen to bad people and bad things happen to good people.
The easy and quick answer is that God is sovereign and does what he wants, when he wants, and how he wants; yet, that answer really doesn't satisfy me.
I have to examine my own walk with Christ (who is God) in order to answer this question.
Basically, God wants us to be completely dependent on him. More so, he wants us to recognize the complete and utter dependence that we already have on him, that we often take for grant it. Ever try holding your breath for longer than a few min? When was the last time you told your heart to beat, or fasted for a few days? No one can do this on their own - we are utterly and completely dependent on God. (other things to consider: sun, moon, gravity, electricity, water, weather,...etc).
History has shown that when we as a society or race regularly fall away from God and do things our own way - we fall into major and utterly destructive sin in our lives - we become bondage to that sin. Our very thoughts are wrapped around that sin and we can't do anything about it. (Romans 8:5-8) Yet there is hope - seek Christ (God)! He can deliver you from that sin. Ever been in adultery? Drink too much? Drugs controlling your life (prescription or illegal)? Are conversations hard, have you lost that child-hood love for life - hate everyone? These are signs of utter destructive sin; and causes spiritual death and often times followed up with physical death. It is like a downward spiral of the toilet. As the water is slower at the top, it seems like a fun ride (that sin), and before you are aware you are sucked into the pit of hell w/o any way out. (Jesus is the answer) Yet few recognize the sin or the spiral and destruction in their lives, and God ultimately judges them for these violations. God did this with Noah's generation, Sodom and Gomorrah, Jezebel, the Philistines and Assyrians, and even Moses and the Jews; and he does it with our current generation. God recognizes the heart of the individuals and passes judgement which can be utter destruction. Yet he wants all of us to know his GREAT LOVE FOR US, and that we need him. That is why he's sent Jesus to die for our sins, basically atoning for all our past sins - all we have to do is accept Him into our hearts. Then he guides us and our every thought/movement. (See Roman 10:9 and 2 Cor 10:5)
God has given us the "instruction" manual of life and the meaning of life in the scriptures (old and new testament) - He teaches us to love God with all our heart, soul and mind; and to LOVE your neighbor as yourself (see 1 Cor 22:37). So really the question falls back onto our own shoulders.
If I were standing in front of God and asked him "Lord why have you let all this destruction and evil things happen here on earth - what kind of God are you to permit this?" - I might fully expect him to ask me: "Why did YOU let this happen?" - Love your neighbor - show him God's love - Show the stranger the same love that God has shown you! Help the poor, homeless, and depraved. Don't let your own pride govern how you converse with those you despise. Jesus teaches us to LOVE our enemies and to turn the other cheek when they strike you. There is a reason for this! Not so that we are martyrs or sufferers, but rather that we show God's love to them so that they might snap out of the blindness, that they currently live in. (Did you know that in the entire history of MAN there has NEVER been anyone to heal the blind, other than Jesus?) He wants to lift us out of the toilet, before it's too late.
Here is some scripture from Matthew to help illustrate this point.
Matthew 5: 38-48
38 You have heard that it was said, Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth. 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
43 You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
I hope found this helpful in understanding God - At least this is what he's teaching me. I've become utterly dependent on Him; and His promise of Love and Joy in my life have come true.
Many blessings to you and your family,
With Love,
Joel
created 2016-09-17 21:32:02