Questions That Need Answering: Part3

Question from Warrior Child: How do we trust a God that allows bad things to happen to people that scar them for life?

When we face injustice, suffering or great loss there are only 2 possibilities: There is a God who loves us, who is near to us, and will wipe away every tear. This brings the possibility of meaning in suffering, and love and goodness will overcome.

The second possibility is there is no meaning to our existence. There is no god, or there is a god but he is indifferent to our predicament. This position leads to hopelessness and futility. One way to trust God, is to understand the alternative. If you cannot hope to trust in your maker, where else can you go. We have no power in and of ourselves to triumph in the end.

Brennan Manning said “Our trust is based not on proof but on an intuitive sense, and instinct, a feeling - a feeling not without some basis, of course, but likewise not the end result of a syllogism or a questionnaire.” I don't agree with this statement. I trust my wife because I know her character. Her words, her deeds. I know God loves me because he suffered and died for my sin. He is preparing a place for me, so where he is I will be also. I trust him because of his words and deeds.

Pain has a way of obscuring reality. Philippians 4:8 says “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

Romans 12:2 says “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

The apostle Paul is encouraging us to overcome by transforming our minds to truth and goodness. When the mind is set on what is good, true, right, and praiseworthy, the reality of the goodness of God is brought into focus. This is not an overnight cure, but a process that requires diligence and perseverance. Romans 5: 3-5 says “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

The mind must lead the heart. Sometimes it must drag it kicking and screaming, but when it prevails the heart is still and at peace. 1 John 4:8 says “God is love”. Think on this scripture. Take all of the wonderful things in your life and give God thanks. Your soul friend sounds like a gift of comfort from God. You do not need to feel something in order to trust. Motorist speed down the highway at 70 mile an hour, and rarely give a thought to the faith they are exercising in their fellowman. Individuals can have hope in God because rationally there is none without him or his goodness. The choices are meaning or nothing.