January 20, 2016 – when it hurts

God is very aware of the difficulties we face here. We often ask why he doesn’t change it. Or why he created things the way he did to begin with.

I don’t know. But I do know he promises to help us, comfort us, and strengthen us.

It isn’t until you face something horrific that you discover this truth. Because there are certain things in life when we are so alone in our pain and no other person can completely help us.

When we turn to God, he is there.

It is possible to not be overtaken by our suffering. But you have to believe.

Some people turn away from God and that is their choice. It is understandable but you cannot stay there because you are turning away from your only source of help.

God gives us the freedom to choose. He doesn’t force us. In fact, he doesn’t even get angry if we turn away. It actually hurts him that we wouldn’t trust him.

It seems difficult to believe in someone we do not see. But if you will believe, he will do the rest.

It doesn’t mean you are not changed by the pain or loss. It doesn’t mean you cannot remember and feel sadness.

It means joy finds its way into your life again. Because you know that one day, God will make things right.

When we’re suffering, we look for answers.

Sometimes, they have been there all along.

The Bible says: Even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD will hold me close.

That means God knew some of us would be neglected or disowned by our fathers and/or mothers.

The Bible says: Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.

That means God knew we would be afraid.

The Bible says: Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

That means God knew we would worry.

The Bible says: You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.

That means God knew we would cry.

These may not seem like answers but they are. They do not answer why God does not stop bad things from happening. That is the answer we all really want.

We aren’t going to get that anwer now. To keep asking will only discourage and frustrate us. We will be miserable and bitter.

But to know God wants to comfort, strengthen, and help us when everything is wrong, tells us the kind of God he is. He is not distanced or angry.

Job, was a man who knew physical, mental, and emotional suffering. He was a blameless man of complete integrity. Yet, “Job never saw why he suffered, but he saw God, and that was enough.” (Timothy Keller)

I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes. –Job 42:5

What is your situation?

Are you willing for Him to be your answer?