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Is God Trying To Hide Himself From Man’s Suffering And Pain?
Since today was a slow news day, I am going to bite on the question asked by fellow blogger “FRED” when he suggested we talk about the “COSMIC” question of: ‘Why does God keep himself so well hidden on this earth?” Fred stated God was described by one Prophet as a “small still voice” and that it seemed at times as though God did not answer prayers because there is still so much suffering and pain on this earth. Understanding that some will never understand this “COSMIC” question, and seeing as the bible gives numerous reasons for pain and suffering, let me put in my two cents worth of thoughts on Fred’s Question.
When we look at church history, especially in the lives of many Christian saints throughout time, one key theme runs through it all-suffering! Oswald Chambers wrote, “You cannot help suffering; it is a true and needful training for the soul that dares to be true to God”. I believe that suffering is an essential aspect of our Christian growth, whether it is mental, physical, financial, or spiritual. But modern day Christians considers suffering something negative, because it does not line up with happiness, peace, and joy.
Remember, God is working even when we do not feel it! The main theme of suffering is not how we answer the whys, but how we live our lives so to still give God the glory! We need to take to heart that when life is at its darkest, God is there. He understands, and loves and carries us though it. We need to accept the fact that God is in control, even if we do not understand. For me, I don’t need to hear him speak in a loud audible voice; he speaks loudly through his word, people, and circumstances and yes, even in my pain and suffering!
Anybody out there in blogger land want to throw in their two cents on the topic of the day? Anybody want to testify how God was alive and active in the mist of your pain and suffering?
Comments
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By Nelson
February 5, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
I believe in the verse below, Paul is telling us that we are to give thanks in all things.
Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 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.
Suffering, Paul says, builds our character. If we truly believe the Word of God, we are to be dependant on God in all our circumstances. In my life recently there has been a lot of turmoil and change. I have found that by thanking and praising God in everything, both good and bad, He gives me peace and strength to face my sufferings. If I fall apart due to what is going on around me, God would know my heart is not set on Him. By our actions He judges our faith.
By KDF
February 5, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this
I have a primary brain tumor, diagnosed and operated on June 13, 2005. I was told that I had 1 1/2 to two years to live. Of course I’ve done chemo, radiation, and am currently on medications. It has been 2 years and 7 months since the operation. First year, no seizures; second year 7, and since June 1st (following a Ted Nugent concert) no seizures for 8 months. I married my high-school sweetheart on this June 29th, was blessed with four school-aged children, and have moved our family to a house China Spring. All my medical care has been local. I praise God everyday, and I tell Him everyday that I will stay here for as long as he wants me to, but the moment He is ready to call me home, I am ready. I am far from perfect, but not far from Heaven.
By Fred
February 6, 2008 4:20 AM | Link to this
God Bless you KDF. God continue to speed your recovery. God Bless your faith and courage.
By Early L. Doss
February 8, 2008 5:43 AM | Link to this
Pastor Joe I am an African American woman a little past the three score and ten years promised to me. I grew up without a mother, and, not much of a father. When I was eight years old my beloved grandmother passed away and it seems to me that I was then on my own. However, while my grandmother lived she prayed for me every night. It was if God woke me up to listen and remember because there were days to come when I needed to know that I was under God’s protection.
When I felt alone or pressed God reminded me of those prayers, no matter where I was or what I was about to do I was reminded that I was not alone. On two occasions I have heard an audible voice speak to me to say that I am not alone.
This is my testimony. God has not always done what I wanted Him to do but He has always done what I needed. I feel that my grandmother will ask God to send somebody to stop me when I am about to make a mistake. I often laugh and say “OKay Mama I hear you”. Thank God for a praying grandmother.
If all of us prayed, believing in the True God we can assure the change that the politicians are talking about. Unless they talk to God when they are not talking to us every thing will remain the same.
I am a retired school teacher and I prayed for my children. One of the greatest moments in my teaching career was when my government students thanked me for praying for them. I did not tell them that I had prayed for them, but I had. They told me this before they took a test that they needed to pass as a graduation requirement. They all passed the test. All Praise to a Loving God.
By Fred
February 8, 2008 5:57 AM | Link to this
God Bless Ms. Early Doss. I believe that when we get to heaven; we will discover that a Mother’s or Teacher’s prayer is more powerful and stronger than ten thousand Policemen.
By Pastorjac
February 8, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
This entry is concerning Ms. Early’s entry:
Ms. Early- what a wonderful testimony of how we hear God’s voice in our daily life! Thanks for sharing and keep tuning in ok!!!
By LARRYE
February 13, 2008 6:58 AM | Link to this
UNDERSTAND