Why does a loving God “allow” bad things? Why is life still so hard even when I recognize and acknowledge my Creator? I asked those questions so many times throughout life. Sometimes in a very angry and even condescending way. I felt I had a right to question the motives of God even though I had not even taken the time to study His word and actually seek answers. I arrogantly decided that since I chose to live life on my terms I still had a right to expectation for success, contentment and satisfaction. But those expectations were based on no knowledge but rather pure assumption.
Imagine if life was just perfect. Why would we need a saviour? If life was perfect why wouldn’t we just carry on as if we were the ones creating our own destiny. Studying the Word of God is providing much insight to the character of a loving yet just God. God did not create us to be robots, programmed to just act and think like a computer program. He created us with a free will that allows us to accept or reject the longing within our conscience to recognize a power beyond our comprehension, a love beyond our experiences, and a law created with morality and union with one another. I mean is it too much for our creator to expect us to not lie, to not steal, to not be sexually immoral, to not hate or murder? Is it too much to respect and appreciate the gift of life by repaying that gift with love and kindness? Is it too much to offer forgiveness when He forgives us for all of our transgressions? People are proud, people are strongwilled, and people can be downright arrogant. We often create this image of God as to whom we feel He should be or must be. In simpler terms that is like a new neighbor that moves in and we assume their personality and character by their appearance from across the yards. Before we assume shouldn’t we walk over and meet them? Wouldn’t the same be true with our Creator, the God that gave you life? Shouldn’t we go out of our way to actually know Him?
I am at such peace in my heart getting to know and understand my Father in heaven. I am also distraught with fear as I realize that our society as a whole has created such distance from Him over the generations. So many people that I care about struggle to choose between the world views and the spiritual views. They become conflicted by organized religion, societal tolerances and worldly possessions and activities that they feel bring them satisfaction. But how satisfying are those wordly desires if you obtain them today yet leave this world tomorrow?
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21
Keep reflecting on the knowledge that your body does not have a soul but rather your soul has a body. Realize that you are uniquely you created by a “master designer” that loved you before you exhaled your first breath and if you choose He has a plan for you in this life and beyond. Walk outside and look to the sky, look at the surroundings, recognize this great design that we enjoy. Feel God’s presence.
Heavenly Father we praise you for the gift of life. Though we face trials, tribulations, struggles, and conflicts we know that these opportunities of growth allow us an opportunity to draw closer to you. May all that take the time to acknowledge and desire your presence experience the strength, courage and love that you expressly will for us if we ask. May all that take the time to read these posts and share a small part of my journey feel your presence and desire your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen
