One of the characters in the (fictional) book that I'm reading, lost faith in God after his girlfriend's father was killed in the 9-11 events. It started with him believing that there was no purpose in praying- if God's will was going to happen either way then why bother, which led him to think what good and merciful God would allow such horror to happen in the first place. Before he knew it, he was no longer believing in God, but in humanism. Now, thankfully this is fiction... and I'm almost positive that the next book in the series will show him coming back to the Lord, but sadly... this is not an uncommon series of events.
God seems to leave so much out when it comes to revealing His plans for us. Sure, we know the general idea... it's the specifics that are so mysterious. Why does God allow us to feel so much pain? I'm sure that I don't need to list examples. Just think of someone whom you've known to face a hard battle that just didn't seem fair. Maybe that person is even yourself.
Some things we'll just never know, but I did find some encouragement as I read today's section from my Jesus Calling book this afternoon. I'll share some of it with you.
"Problems are a part of life. They are inescapable: woven into the fabric of this fallen world. You tend to go into problem-solving mode all too readily, acting as if you have the capacity to fix everything. This is a habitual response... not only does this habit frustrate you, it distances you from me.
.... Rather than trying to fix everything that comes to your attention, ask me to show you what is truly important. Remember that you are en route to heaven, and let your problems fade in the Light of eternity."
~ Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
I'm not trying to solve the mysteries of the Lord, but perhaps problems, what ever they might be, are an opportunity to draw near to the Lord and feel His presence. It's not always our first response, but if we practice doing it enough, maybe someday it will be!
I wish that I could sit down with a cup of tea and talk about this with everyone who is reading this. There is so much more that could be said. Biblical examples, personal life examples, philosophical theories and more. But the truth is this:
"Come near to God and He will come near to you." James 4:8
As long as I know that I'm in God's presence, I will have the strength to overcome and the assurance of a better future.
I hope you are as encouraged by this as I am.
Wishing you many blessings!
~ Kristin Marie
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