Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Batting practice
"The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him." Nahum 1:7
The big question often asked is this: How can a loving God allow good people to suffer? A similar question: Why do bad things happen to good people? Many times when someone finds out that Malcom has cancer, this is their reaction. They want to know how it is that someone who loves God, who is serving God, who is busy about the Father's business, can suddenly be struck with a disease that brings everything to a screeching halt. Even I have asked this question in the form of "Why him? Why us? What's going on God?"
As I ponder the answer, first I realize that such a question assumes that being "good" should protect us from harm. Strike one! The Bible never promises such a thing. God's Word is full of examples of good, godly men and women who suffered.
The second thing is that such a question assumes that God is only good when He allows what we consider "good" circumstances to come into our life. Strike two! The Bible clearly tells us that the Lord is good all the time...through the worst and best of times, He is the strong hold and refuge to carry us through. He works things out for a good purpose to those who love Him.
The third thing that such a question assumes is that God should allow bad things to happen to bad people. Strike three! While God punishes sin, He is ever rich in mercy. He says in Ezekiel 18:32 "For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye." It is good that God waits and gives people chance after chance to turn from their wicked ways.
Well, I don't want to strike out. Instead of asking "why?" I'll ask "what?" To my God who is good all the time, who is my shelter in trouble, and who knows me personally, I ask "What do You want to accomplish in my life through this trouble?" Finding the answer to that question and doing it will result in a home run!
Thanks for your continued prayers for Malcom. He is currently receiving his 3rd chemo treatment. It will be finished around noon on Wednesday. We praise the Lord that x-rays yesterday showed a decrease in pulmonary fluid around his lungs. "Almost all gone!" the doctor said. The CEA blood test (tumor marker) was 118 down from 147 two weeks ago.
The big question often asked is this: How can a loving God allow good people to suffer? A similar question: Why do bad things happen to good people? Many times when someone finds out that Malcom has cancer, this is their reaction. They want to know how it is that someone who loves God, who is serving God, who is busy about the Father's business, can suddenly be struck with a disease that brings everything to a screeching halt. Even I have asked this question in the form of "Why him? Why us? What's going on God?"
As I ponder the answer, first I realize that such a question assumes that being "good" should protect us from harm. Strike one! The Bible never promises such a thing. God's Word is full of examples of good, godly men and women who suffered.
The second thing is that such a question assumes that God is only good when He allows what we consider "good" circumstances to come into our life. Strike two! The Bible clearly tells us that the Lord is good all the time...through the worst and best of times, He is the strong hold and refuge to carry us through. He works things out for a good purpose to those who love Him.
The third thing that such a question assumes is that God should allow bad things to happen to bad people. Strike three! While God punishes sin, He is ever rich in mercy. He says in Ezekiel 18:32 "For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye." It is good that God waits and gives people chance after chance to turn from their wicked ways.
Well, I don't want to strike out. Instead of asking "why?" I'll ask "what?" To my God who is good all the time, who is my shelter in trouble, and who knows me personally, I ask "What do You want to accomplish in my life through this trouble?" Finding the answer to that question and doing it will result in a home run!
Thanks for your continued prayers for Malcom. He is currently receiving his 3rd chemo treatment. It will be finished around noon on Wednesday. We praise the Lord that x-rays yesterday showed a decrease in pulmonary fluid around his lungs. "Almost all gone!" the doctor said. The CEA blood test (tumor marker) was 118 down from 147 two weeks ago.
6 Comments:
Dear Carol,
Your writing helps me a lot! Every morning I will turn on the computer to see if there is some new information from you. How great is your confidence in Lord!We will contonue praying for you.
Suzanne
Hi Carol,
Thank you for your ministry to us. God continues to use you both in your situation. You are still ministering, just in a different place and capacity than before. Many lives have been touched by your experiences and writings.
Why you ask? Just maybe for the evidence of His continued grace and mercy in your lives. Just maybe for the many you have touched and He has reached through your exercise and walk of faith that may never have been touched in just this way otherwise. Just maybe for me! :>)
May God's richest blessings, peace and comforts be upon you both as He continues to minister to you, and THROUGH you to others.
Carol, I love reading your little messages every day. They lift me up so much and have become the devotional message I use each morning in my time with the Lord. Thanks so much for your wonderful attitude and strength, which I know comes from God. You are truly ministering to us as well as yourself.
CB
Uncle Malcom and Aunt Carol,
I've spent the last hour reading your web journal. I am truly humbled by your love for our Lord and your radical faith in Him! "For such a time as this..." He is using you to minister to many through your trials. Your writings have been a sweet aroma of Christ to me and I'm sure I can speak for all who read them. I praise the Lord for the priviledge of knowing you! You are in our prayers daily.
We love you,
Shelly, Jason and the kids
Dear Carol and Malcom,
What good news this is today. May God work a cure in Malcom's body is our prayer. I agree. Our question should not be why. I think we wouldn't understand the answer most of the time. It is better to rest in Him. He will be our strong tower.
praying today
Sue M
Hi Mom Carol, its nice to know that pastor is doing well, im sure that by your testimony a lot of people are blessed just like me.. God is truly good and faithful!
Joy Vinuya
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