Saturday 19 May 2012

Why do bad things happen?

Wow. That is a very awesome question and one that has been debated for years by a lot of people. After all, some would argue, how could a “loving” God allow such things? How do we accept that a caring God, a God of infinite power, can allow bad to happen?

It seems that no one is untouched by tragedy and suffering, doesn’t it? Not even those of us who are Christ Followers can avoid some pain and suffering.

First of all, let’s be clear on a few things. While God allows bad things to happen, He does not want it for us. In fact, when God created the Earth, it was very good. Genesis 1:31 reads, “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” This very good condition was the plan for all of God’s creation. 

Then God created Adam and Eve and God gave us human beings the ability to make choices. We call it free will. And, sadly, Adam and Eve flunked the test on decision-making. Because of their decision, sin entered the world and it’s that sin that affects our choices. Because we can make choices, sometimes those choices can be good and sometimes they can be bad. But, that’s the freedom God gave us because He wanted us to love Him freely and not because we are forced to. However, with that freedom to make bad choices comes suffering.

Sometimes free will results in evil and painful choices.  Remember, though, that all of the evil and pain in this world is human evil, not godly evil. God cannot sin so He can’t be evil. So all this pain and suffering is humanly-caused pain, which is a result of human sin. It’s not God’s fault when things go wrong.

But, thank God, it’s not over! Even though we are evil by nature, God still loves and cares for us. Jesus’ death on the cross paid the full price for each and every one of us. God’s Word promises that He will create a new heaven and a new earth and there will be “no more mourning or death or pain” because man’s sin will be gone and God will dwell with mankind. Praise God for that!

So, what about things that aren’t caused by people? Why do earthquakes that kill thousands of people happen? Why do some people get cancer? Why do little children get hurt or killed? Certainly those aren’t caused by human sin, are they?

Well, in a way, they are. All pain and suffering can be traced back to the original sin in the Garden of Eden. But, here’s the plus-side of suffering: it gives us the opportunity to lean on God and grow closer to Him and it is an opportunity for those around the person suffering to develop compassion and personal heroism. When things go bad, and we all will experience pain and suffering, it gives us the chance to come closer to God and to depend on His grace and mercy. We may never entirely understand our situation or experience but we can put our faith in God to get us through the storm.

One of my favorite Bible verses is a simple one and one that is easy to remember. It is Proverbs 3:5-6 and it says, “Trust in the Lord, your God, with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding but in all ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.”

We have to trust God’s will despite what we see as being so sad and so tragic. And know, just know and put your faith in, the fact that God is good and that He loves you unconditionally.

Thursday 17 May 2012

Will God tell me who my real father is?

This question is an incredibly touching question but also one that I really can’t answer. I say that because I cannot know how God thinks and what His plans are for you. I don’t even know what God’s plans are for me! But, here’s what I do know about God:
  • He loves you unconditionally and more than you can even imagine.
  • He only wants what is absolutely the best for you.
  • He cannot, absolutely cannot, do things that are bad, evil or sinful.
  • His plan for your life is perfect.
The best answer that I can give you is, if God wants you to know who your father is, He will make that happen. It may be tomorrow, it may be next year or it may be years from now. He may also never reveal it if He believes that the knowledge would do more harm than good.

Continue to be in prayer about it and pray that God’s sovereign decision will be done in this situation. Remember, God hears every single one of our prayers. He also answers every prayer. Sometimes, though, the answer might be, "wait," or, "no."

I hope that answers your question!