@1#$ Happens!!!
“1 About that time some people came up and told him about the Galileans Pilate had killed while they were at worship, mixing their blood with the blood of the sacrifices on the altar. 2 Jesus responded, "Do you think those murdered Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans? 3 Not at all. Unless you turn to God, you too will die. 4 And those eighteen in
Luke 13:1-5 (MSG)
1 Walking down the street, Jesus saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked, "Rabbi, who sinned: this man or his parents, causing him to be born blind?" 3 Jesus said, "You're asking the wrong question. You're looking for someone to blame. There is no such cause-effect here. Look instead for what God can do. 4 We need to be energetically at work for the One who sent me here, working while the sun shines. When night falls, the workday is over. 5 For as long as I am in the world, there is plenty of light. I am the world's Light."
John 9:1-5 (MSG)
About 18 months ago, my 14- year old nephew was diagnosed with leukemia. At the time, his prognosis was not good. Thank God, for the miracles of modern medicine and a little brother who was a near perfect bone marrow transplant match. Erik was able to enter remission following a bone marrow transplant. He went back to school this school year and was preparing to play baseball.
The story sounds good so far but as you can imagine there is much more to tell (hence the title of this blog). After months of great blood work, Erik’s most recent series of tests showed that his leukemia has returned. @1#$ Happens!!!
Christians seem to have a hard time accepting this. I really don’t know why. We seem to believe that since we are God’s New Israel (chosen people) we should be immune to the illnesses and frailties of the human condition. The truth of the matter is we are not. God never promised immunity only comfort and safety for our eternal soul. Jesus advised us not to worry about illnesses and evils that hurt the body, but be concerned about those that harm the soul.
For many people this is the message they cannot comprehend. “How can a loving God allow this to happen?” they ask. Jesus gave us the answer many times. Things happen in this world and God uses those events to demonstrate God’s love. Not by inflicting pain and suffering but giving us the tools we need to survive the horrors of the world. Paul wrote we are to: “Give thanks in every situation.” That is very different than giving thanks for every situation. It is through our faith in every situation that God helps us grow and deepen in faith, a faith that endures the good and the bad to the honor and glory of God.
Merciful God, you know the pain of our hearts and our deepest desires. It is out of the depths of pain that we cry to you for help today and every day. Hear our prayer, grant us the mercy of your attention and the strength that comes from a faith in you. This we ask in the name of Christ our Lord. Amen.
