I recently had a friend who turned away from her faith and rejected God completely. It really hurts me to see her lost and confused with her life and her struggle to determine her reason for existence. I thought she had a deep relationship with God, but I was shocked to see how she had developed such a warped view of God. My friend believes that if God is real, He would never allow horrible things to happen to individuals and people. I believe philosophers would call her struggle the problem of evil. She is clearly confused why a loving God - who is capable of doing incredible and infinite things - would allow things such as horrible earthquakes that kill thousands and children who are abused. Her question is, why would God chose not to intervene in these cases.
After trying to encourage her and help her see God outside of the box she had put Him, it made me realize how often we truly don't recognize all of God's qualities and why He does what He does. We (myself included) tend to pick and chose the qualities we like about God or the Trinity as a whole and make that the God we follow instead of intentionally seeking a full perspective of Him.
Never once in the Bible does God say He will protect Christians or children or others from hurt and "bad things." Instead God promises He will always be there and never leave us during the good and the bad. He has given us an eternal future and everlasting hope. I'm sorry for rambling, I guess I just wanted to get my thoughts out there.
Does anyone have suggestions on what might help my friend re-encounter God and His greatness? Thanks for listening/reading :)
Or perhaps let HIM live through the box HE created, The BIBLE?
The earth's purpose was changed at the point of sin. Due to no fault of it's own it was no longer to abound in beauty and fruitfulness but thorns and thistles. When Cain killed Able, the earth cried out because of the spilling of blood. I believe the earth continues to cry out and with GoD's permission it is permitted to cleanse itself of our filthy sin through the elements like rain (floods), fire, and wind. When things are really heating-up boiling mad below the surface, there's Volcanoes spewing, earthquakes, and tidal waves.
Let's take weather and "natural diasters", the Word speaks in the Bible about sin abounding, blood of the innocent being poured out, that the earth will begin to roll, rumble, and basically turn on man.
Matthew 24:7-8 "..earthquakes...All these are the beginning of sorrows."
What about Achan's sin in Joshua? The earth opened and swallowed-up he and his household-- Earthquake?
Tornadoes and hurricanes?? whirlwwinds??? --Famine, crop failure????
Hosea 8:7 They sow the wind, and reap the whirlwind. The stalk had no bud; it shall never produce meal..."
It happened to Israel because of who they elected as kings and princes and made idols (8:4).
When Katrina hit, I was prophetically shocked, I didn't know much about New Orleans but thought for sure other cities... (personal pick was Las Vegas,sorry to those who live there but learn from Lot) When I noticed all the deadly tornadoes hitting last year, it was really at the hieght of the Democratic Primary races. I didn't know some of those states ever even had tornadoes? I saw this and thought, hmmm--could GOD be warning us? Really, if I said anything, who am I, who would listen, and they blast anyone for saying anything like this.
Oh, I must be being silly and superstitious, right? The news media and weather people say it is because of La Ninia, right?
Oh, yes, the spirit of the world says continue go back to sleep, here's an explanation. :zzzz:
Malibu and California burning??? Lightening???
Hosea 8:14 "For Israel has forgotten his Maker, and has built temples; Judah also has multiplies fortified cities;
I will send fir upon his cities, and it shall devour his palaces."
Abused???
Result of the cruelty, murderous hearts of the abusers. Some because they were abused, some because of family curses, some because of beer and wine (substance and pharmasutical use), some for power, some because they think they are entitled to, some divorce (themselves or parents), some because they are literally demonically possessed, some were never corrected or caught,....some because they don't know GOD and sadiest of all.. some because they have perverted HIS Word.
God's not the problem. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Just like when I discipline my children, I don't come-up with too many new methods. I believe when we look to the old testement and the way He dealt with people in sin.... I simply look around and think we are being disciplined and need to repent individually, as solemn assemblies (if my people who are called by my name...), nationally, and world-wide Christian rended hearts, repentence of all the sins, and revival. (new testement has a couple of different sin lists of what or who isn't going to heaven).
We set ourselves apart and be holy--not crazy and cruel but meek and loving; once again preferring one another.. Then, We pray, praise, preach, and Baptize.
Truth: These aren't "acts of GOD' but the results of man's sin upon the earth.
Solution: repentence and sin less.
Sorry, based on what you explained about your friend...she probably won't want to hear this especially all at once. Possibly you don't like this as a possibility either. I know I don't because what can I do about most of it, anyway???
My spirit just rises a bit when God gets blamed. :boxing:
:prayingf:
Susan
:prayingf: I will pray for her to again see and experience the faithfulness, beauty and wonder of God's love through you and others. Most likely a Christian hurt or disappointed her. Be careful unbelief and negativity can be caught. ANd for you:prayingf:
Well, first and foremost, this is not God's world. Satan has dominion over the earth and glories in the fact that God is blamed for everything that happens. Things rain on the just and the unjust but as you stated we have the comfort of a loving Father to help us throught these times. I do believe this is the end times and that the very elect will be deceived if their guard is not up and they are enlightened about the antics of the devil and the power of prayer. Let your light so shine that she may see your good works and return to glorify the Father in heaven. This may not be much help but know that God always gives us a choice and if she is sincerely seeking an answer God will reveal it to her. Many times in this day and age it is much easier to find a way out of serving God because your heart is not where it should be and you really have lost your first love. I will pray for her.
Thanks so much for your comments and thoughts. It's always good to hear from others and see things from another perspective. Also thanks so much for being willing to pray for her. She definitely needs it!
ONE CAN NOT LOOK UPON CREATION AND PONDER ON THE INTRICATE DETAILS AND DENY THE EXHISTANCE OF A SUPREME BEING. THE WORDS OF GOD TELLS US THAT IN THE HEART OF EVERY MAN KNOWTH THERE IS A GOD.
YOUR FRIENDS KNOW THERE IS A GOD. LIKE MANY OTHERS MADE THE DECISION TO FALL AWAY. IT IS VITAL TO NURTURE THE CHRISTIAN AND INSTIL IN THEM WHO THEY ARE IN CHRIST. CONFESS INTO THEM THAT THEY ARE A MAN OR WOMAN OF GOD AND THAT GOD LOVES THEM SO VERY VERY MUCH. GOD WILL ALWAYS GIVE WISDOM FOR THE NEED AND WILL ALWAYS BE THERE FOR THE ONE WHO SEEKS GODS KINGDOM FIRST, IN ALL THINGS. IT IS MY PLACE TO PRAY PROTECTION FROM EVERY UNGODLY WEAPON FORMED AGAINST MY FRIENDS. NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST ME OR MINE WILL PROSPER. COMMISSION THE GODLY ANGELS TO FORM A HEDGE OF PROTECTION ABOUT ME AND MY FRIENDS TO PROTECT THEM FROM BEING ROBBED, KILLED OR DESTROYED. CONFESS THE MIND OF CHRIST AND GODLY THINKING FOR MY FRIENDS. THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL HAVE IT'S WAY, AND WILL NOT BE QUENCHED, GRIEVED OR RESISTED IN MY FRIENDS.
Okay so like I am currently taking steps for my credentials for ministry and with all that knowledge I still say....stop quoting bible verses people ugggh lol
Why does GOd let good things happen to bad people?
Because good people make bad decisions....yet in his grace he makes a way of redemption.
My heart bleeds for the children of iran and iraq if I could I would walk there right now just to hold children and say it is going to be alright.....why LORD why?
I know I have gone through more hell it seems like at times since walking with the LORD why?
FOR HIS GLORY because we are called to endure and persevere and through that we can relate with others and help them through the pain they feel.
And if you want a bible verse I got one for you but it is not tooo popular....
romans 8:17 out of the king james
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
We are not told this alot but the "world" hates us and we are at times meant to suffer for CHRIST but as for me I count it all pure joy for the trials of this life cannot compare with the gLORY to be revealed at his coming and to live with him forevermore.....Tell your friend to be of good cheer GOD has overcome the world and in dure time satan will pay for his crimes against deity!!!
You hit the nail on the head lifesajourney. God doesn't owe us anything except His promise of salvation. Let your friend figure that out on her own. That's prob why she's going through whatever it is she's going through.
Even though your question dates 2008. I have something to share that will build you up our faith.
I have been in such a position some years ago asking why does God allow the horrible things that happen on earth.
We have to know that the devil is the ruler of the earth.
2 Corinthians 4:3 But if our Gospel be hid, it is hid to those who are lost,
4 whose unbelieving minds the god of this world hath blinded, lest the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
Adam was the god of this world but he allowed the devil to rob him of the authority. That is why Jesus came to restore back authority to us.
John 10: 10 The thief cometh not but to steal and to kill and to destroy. I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
The devil has already been judged, and until he is completely destroyed when the appointed time comes, the earth will know no rest.
Revelation 12: 12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and of the sea! For the devil has come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time."
13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman who brought forth the manchild.
I will round up by letting you know that God has given all Christians authority over the devil. Are you truly born again?
Do you work in the newness of Christ??
Then light and darkness have nothing in common and so the devil has no authority over you.
Luke 10:
19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Matthiew 10: 1 And when He had called unto Him His twelve disciples, He gave them power against unclean spirits to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
7 And as ye go, preach, saying, `The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.'
8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils. Freely ye have received; freely give.
Mark 16: 15 And He said unto them, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature.
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
17 And these signs shall follow them that believe: In My name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18 they shall take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them. They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."
Indeed, we have a choice to make. Those who do not believe the gospel are already condemned. But those who believe in the Gos pel it is the power of God onto salvation to those WHO BELIEVE!!
Romans 1: 16 For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one who believeth, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith; as it is written: "The just shall live by faith."
I tell you many are perishing because of unbelieving.
Romans 12: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Most Christians are too canal , the walk in the flesh and are fully confirmed to this world instead of conforming to the image of Christ. How can a canal Christian come to understand a God who is spiritual??????
Only when you are spiritual can you understand the things of God. For they are mysteries.
Matthiew 13: 10 And the disciples came and said unto Him, "Why speakest Thou unto them in parables?"
11 He answered and said unto them, "Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, but to them it is not given.
12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance. But whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that which he hath.
13 Therefore speak I to them in parables, because seeing, they see not, and hearing, they hear not, neither do they understand.
14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah, which saith, `By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive.
15 For this people's heart has waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.'
