Wish I had an answer...
Submitted by J on December 10 2001 00:47:27
In reply to the grace of whos god? submitted by scruffy lad on December 9 2001 18:52:08
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Dear scruffy lad, I wish I had an answer for the issues that you struggle with, however, I believe that part of the Christian walk is having faith that if we were capable of understanding the cosmic struggle of good and evil this side of heaven that God would have included more solid answers to it within His Word. If I may, I’d like to offer up a couple of points, which may or may not help you come to a tentative reconciliation and allow you to give an answer to those who ask about the faith that is in you. I believe that we have freedom and sadly the exercise of this freedom by some people results in a great deal of pain for an innocent third party. I am sorry to hear that you have experienced this kind of pain first hand by Christian teachers, clergy and social agencies. Pain like this is often compounded by the fact that it came through one who was suppose to be acting judiciously on behalf of a God who is love. I do not believe in a God who is either cut off or indifferent to the pain that we all endure. As I believe Jesus is God, I believe He [God] experienced first hand rejection, humiliation, torture and death. My Lord understands and knows what I go through and His pain is the perfect example of how God can use human freedom that results in pain for His ultimate good purpose. This is also true on an individual level, as the apostle Paul stated: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 One analogy that I once heard is that of a huge tapestry and while on earth we only see the back of it. The stitches, no discernable pattern or reason for the position of threads, some of which are short and stubby, others long and stringy; some cut off and others used as a bridge between completely different sections. Once we are with the Lord, we will see the front of the tapestry – a beautiful work of art, the laborious back of which will be remembered no more. Another analogy is that of an inexperienced piano student who sits at the keyboard plunking away on keys, hitting sharps and flats indiscriminately, simply making noise that is not pleasing to the ear. Then a master composer comes along and sits behind this student and anticipating the notes she will strike, plays with her and incorporates her sharps and flats into a magnificent symphony piece. As Christians, we give our lives to the Lord who is the master composer and is capable of using the tragedies in our lives for our own and for other’s good. In the midst of pain, it is hard to accept or believe that this is possible, but know that you are not alone. Only God can recompense us for our suffering and He would not be love and just if He did not. Hold onto this in your times of trouble and continue to post here for both love and support. I will be praying for you. Take care and God bless, J |
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