Yes, I'm transparent...but not THAT transparent

Where Is God In Our Troubled And Chaotic World?

Sometimes the world appears to be so troubled and chaotic it may seem like God has turned His back and is no longer there.

God has created human beings with free will and there will be people who will exercise free will in ways that are terrible, foolish, dangerous, tragic, inhumane and, yes, evil. If God were to intervene and stop a person from exercising his/her free will, then it would no longer be free will.

But God has not turned His back.

Our understanding is limited. I realize remarks like this can sound like trite cop outs when tragedies occur but it is true. We only see in a partial way. I do not write this to excuse or minimize the atrocious things which happen in our world. They anger me and they break my heart.

I only mean to suggest that as we try to analyze and think about the events in our world—as we try to make sense of what surely seems to be senseless—we are doing so with limitations in our knowledge and understanding.

When I am frustrated by the pain, turmoil and hate in our world and I think, “Where are you, God?” it helps me—at least a little bit—to remember God understands what it means to be the recipient of pain, turmoil and hate in a very personal way. He is not a deity who stands removed from the difficult realities of life. He is, the Bible reminds us, a God with wounds.

Life can definitely be perplexing and perhaps we will not always be able to see it, but He does care.

Generosity, God's Provision and Suffering

I recently had the following interaction, online, with a friend.  I hope you'll take a moment to read...

My Original Post:

Real generosity generally requires people to believe that there will always be provision. In other words, in order to be willing to give freely of what we have, it is important for us to believe that our basic needs will be provided.

We have this question: “If I give away some portion of what I have, will I hurt myself or will there be enough?”

So there is a trust factor involved in generosity. Generous people look to the Provider in a way that reveals authentic trust.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:9

My Friend Susan’s Comment Regarding The Original Post:

I know this to be true. Yet, I struggle with things like the people in the Philippines right now, who have no food or water, and the folks trying to help are unable to reach them. Unless food and water aren’t included in "all your needs", I can't help but understand the worry these people have. I'm not disputing the verse, as it has reminded me so often not to worry about things I can't control and to put my trust in God. I just put my hope in God, that He orchestrates some miracles so that people can receive their basic needs. Any other's struggle with this kind of stuff?

My Reply To Susan’s Comment:

I think all of us can relate with the struggle you have described, Susan.  It is hard for us to make sense of events like the recent devastation to so many from the storm in the Philippines.  We’re bothered by the heartache and agony that happen in this broken world. I like what you said about putting your hope in God and trusting that He will orchestrate miracles so people can receive their basic needs.  I agree.

I honestly do not claim to have answers to issues like the ones you have raised; issues that have stymied people for thousands of years.  But it does give me some small sense of consolation to know that God does not view human pain and struggle from some cold detached vantage point on high.  Rather, He has entered into the turmoil of this world and endured misery and suffering Himself, first-hand.  He does not take a position like this, “Oh, you guys are dealing with pain, huh?  Hmm, that’s too bad.  I don’t know what that feels like.”

I understand this does not answer the questions you’ve raised or clear up the confusion.  Like I said, I struggle, too.  And I appreciate that even though you are a believer you are willing to honestly express your struggles.  I always appreciate honesty.  Honesty can sting sometimes, but it’s still right.

My post that prompted your comment had to do with generosity.  When we think about what has happened in the Philippines, the concept of generosity is definitely relevant.  The generous help of others, in terms of many forms of aid, will certainly be necessary for the many people who are suffering due to this storm.

Most everyone who reads this post will probably have an opportunity to give in some way to the relief efforts that have been mobilized to help those who are hurting.  Let’s choose to be generous.

Thanks again, for your thoughtful, honest comment, Susan!

Love and blessings,

Dan

Why Does God Allow Suffering and Pain? -- Audio Podcast

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Suffering - Audio Podcast

God can use the pain, trouble and even the suffering in our lives in positive ways to bring growth and maturity.


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E-Flash From Dan -- Should We Desire Suffering?

Dear E-Flash Friends;

Somebody asked me recently if the Bible indicates that Christians should desire suffering.  The person asking me the question referenced Philippians chapter 3, vs. 10 where the Apostle Paul writes about wanting to “suffer” with Christ “sharing in his death”.

The questioner said, “I love Jesus and I want to know Him and love Him more—I really do—but I don’t know if I could ever get to the point that I could honestly say that I desire suffering.”

I understand that feeling.  The thing about suffering is that it’s no fun.

[ …By the way, I’m known, worldwide, as the master of understatement.]

Seriously, though, I don’t think the point that Paul was making is that we should actually desire suffering.  What Paul was ultimately interested in was: “knowing” Christ in a very intimate and genuine way.  And Paul understood that to really know Christ, suffering would inevitably be involved because Jesus, Himself, suffered and all those who walk closely with Him will experience some degree of suffering.  He said so.  (For example, check out John 16:33.)

So, I would not explain the attitude that Paul is describing as a desire for suffering—I’m not so sure that would be a healthy attitude.  However, I would describe his attitude with the word “willing”.  Paul was willing to suffer.  But it’s important to keep in mind that the willingness to suffer is not for suffering’s sake.  Paul was willing to suffer because he understood that it was a necessary part of helping him know Christ better.

I hope you are experiencing the ups and downs of life in a way that is drawing you closer to Him!

Love and blessings,

Dan