Why, God?

“I don’t understand why innocent people, godly people, suffer… Why doesn’t God answer my prayers and bring relief?… I’m not sure God does miracles in today’s world… God gave tangible  examples before the written Word & His death on the cross, which is our ultimate Hope… The last miracle happened at the Cross, I guess… Perplexed on how a God way up in Heaven really pays attention to my, or anyone else’s life details…,” my friend said in anguish.

Life is hard. Christianity is hard. I’d rather go through life with Jesus. Life without Christianity is dismal and eternity hopeless.

When belief in God becomes difficult, the tendency is to turn away from Him; but in heaven’s name, to what?  -G K Chesterton

Life is easier when I surrender, walk in Jesus’ strength, not my own or lack thereof. He gives grace, His mercies are new every morning.

Other’s trials break my heart too, but God loves our loved ones more than we do. I promise. If they persevere, in the end, and the real end is never ending in Eternity, they will shine as gold.

I know some who are an amazing testimony for Jesus by their tenacity to hope in Christ. Their excellent spirit makes me repent of whining, get my eyes off of myself for a bit and be grateful for what I have.

Blessings on our lives bring glory to God, but oftentimes, we bring the message of hope to others as they watch Jesus walk us through struggles.

“who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”  II Corinthians 1:4 (NKJV)

Sometimes my stress has stress and the waters rage. Storm clouds gather on the horizon and the fog rolls in, but I see Him more clearly. I must fix my eyes on Jesus and on Heaven, look to Him, not at the waves, if I want to walk on water.

“Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah” Psalms 62:8 (NKJV)

God cares about the details of our lives. He sees all. He is not the orchestrator of the fallout of living in a sin filled world. Everything that occurs isn’t God’s doing or will, but if we are His, nothing can happen to us that He doesn’t allow. He is a good God.  

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 (NASB)

The Creator of all, the God  of eternity is also the God of now, for each and every one of us who cry out to him.

As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. Psalms 18:30

We only see part of the picture- a very small part. We have no idea how far reaching our prayers are on this side of eternity. We can’t see what our prayers  prevented; they hold even greater storms at bay.

Jesus still does miracles of healing and provision. But the cross marked the beginning of the greatest and ongoing miracle of all time. God in the flesh shouldered the sins of mankind, to restore us to Himself. He died so we could live. He sets us free, makes us His sons and daughters. He makes our hearts His home.

We all doubt sometimes, we all fall. We have much learning and growing and knowing to do. We can’t earn our salvation, and we don’t have to work to get miracles either. God does things in His time, for our good and His glory, which doesn’t always bring  instant relief. Joseph, David, Job, Daniel, Jesus’ death and resurrection, are examples. And, yes, we do need to pray for endurance.

For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: Hebrews 10:36 (NKJV)

We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy Colossians 1:11 (NLT)

Jesus already knows how you feel and understands. Sometimes I realize I’m talking, thinking, about praying, but not actually praying. We need to talk to God. God is Holy, but I believe He prefers our honest uncensored prayers to an act, or rote religious dialogue, as long as we let Him redirect us. Pray. Listen. Watch and wait on God.

rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;Romans 12:12 (NKJV)

This isn’t Heaven. Expect setbacks. Expect failures. Expect to overcome.

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Ultimately, God’s purpose for our time on Earth is to save and sanctify us so we make Heaven our home. He redeems and refines us. Jesus desires to forge and form us into his likeness. As He works on the inside, I reflect Him on the outside. We are called to be a light in the darkness, to reveal The Way to the lost so they can be found and find themselves in Him.

 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”  ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

God sees me and cares about my circumstances, but He is much more concerned with the position of my heart, the direction in which it’s heading.

What happens to me is not nearly as important as who I become in Christ  and that I fulfill the destiny He intends for me.

God does as He wills, as is needed for each person and circumstance.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18 (NKJV)

But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. Job 23:10

The question is, will you allow Jesus to sanctify you through your circumstances?

If all I got on this side of eternity was the forgiveness Jesus wrought on the cross, and the promise of Heaven, that would still be amazing grace and more than I deserve, but that is not “all” I get.

Jesus is with me. I do not walk alone. If it was necessary for me to go through all the heartache and hardship I have been through to have the revelation of God in my life as I do today- it is worth it. I wouldn’t change any circumstance of ease for the relationship I have with Jesus now. He is my joy. He is my friend. After almost 30 years of salvation I can testify that His presence is more tangible than any flesh and blood sitting next to me. His comfort is deep, and when I let Him hold me, I am held like no human can.

Casting Crowns – Just Be Held (Official Lyric Video)

*Dedicated to my friends who walk the valley road right now. Your pain is not in vain. You do not walk alone. Psalm 23

To all those who wonder and weep.

My prayers are with you.

© 2017  Rachael M Colby     Tattoo It On Your Heart

Recommended Books:

When God Weeps, by Joni Earekson Tada,Steve Estes

The Problem of  Pain, by C.S. Lewis

Brokenness: How God Redeems Pain and Suffering by Lon Solomon

A Grace Disguised: How the Soul Grows through Loss, by Jerry L. Sittser

A Path Through Suffering: Discovering the Relationship Between God’s Mercy and Our Pain, by Elisabeth Elliot