It seems this week I’ve heard a number of lives that have been touched by evil. A young nephew of 35 was found dead. At this point, we don’t know why. A pastor conducting a funeral for a teenager who committed suicide. An email from a father whose adult son committed suicide. A man sitting down the pew from me sharing about the nerve damage he’s going through. A prayer request by a man with a spinal cord issue whose brother has MS.
I could go on. There are people suffering all around us. Sometimes you know when they get a splinter under their toenail. Other times they can hardly hold their head up, but they still do so, and live with dignity and joy. I am marvel at one and would really prefer to avoid the other.
But the truth is, suffering goes on around us all the time.
What is the difference between the ways in which people respond? It doesn’t seem to be the seriousness of the attack. It’s not how long the suffering has gone on. It seems to be a basic attitude of whether you are going to trust in God, or criticize the way He runs the universe, and in particular, you’re a part of the universe.
I have to really be careful. I am not noted for my sensitivity. I’m aware of that. I also tend to have good health, in my opinion. Of course when I start listing the different things that I deal with I’m not in perfect health, but none of them would I consider major issues like others are dealing with. I consistently ask why I am doing so well and others are struggling. I don’t have an answer.
If there is an answer, it focuses on our attitudes. We have a choice. That’s part of what being created in the image of God is all about. Life is full of choices. Choices result not only in rewards and Joy but also disappointments and failures. Sometimes the major difference is nothing other than how we choose to respond to the situation.
Again, I want to walk carefully. I know there are many places in the Bible, where it talks about. God rewarding people who live righteous lives. There’s a part of me that would like to think. I am blessed because I’m so worthy. I recoiled from that in disgust. I see no correlation. The problem is is demonstrated by the experience of turning from writing to reading the book of Proverbs and the first verse I come across is this,
Proverbs 11:8 (KJV) The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.Part of me shakes his head in denial, because I am aware of how unworthy I am. Another part of me simply nods its head in rejoicing and thanksgiving to God for His blessings. Perhaps the only answer to this dilemma is to live in trust that God in His wisdom knows what He’s doing. As long as he blesses me, I rejoice. I trust that if He allows me to enter a time of trial, I will continue to trust and rejoice. At the same time, I lift up those of you going through struggles.
This morning I specifically listed up that Pastor involved in that funeral and the families he is ministering to. I would ask that you might pause and join me this morning if you are reading this and are a person of prayer. We don’t need to know all the details. We just need to call on God and his mercy.
homo unius libri