I Don’t Know Why
A friend from 30 years ago lost his 17 year old son to cancer yesterday. Though I haven’t spoken to him in 30 years we share a lot of the same friends and I learned of his son’s two time fight against cancer through them and the Facebook page set up to support his son. This weekend, his son attended his senior prom. When I looked at the pictures they posted on Facebook, and saw how this evil disease had ravished his young body, I could only ask God why.
Why?
We’re always asking God why bad things happen. We don’t understand – I don’t understand. I’ve got a Masters of Divinity, I’ve studied theology, I’ve studied how sin entered the world (and wrote a paper about it), and I’ve studied satan and demonology. All of the theological answers do not answer why God allows this suffering. I’m not experiencing a crisis of faith, but I am broken hearted for this young boy’s family and friends.
I Don’t Know Why
I don’t know WHY children get ravaged by cancer; children are raped – I mean, there have been infants raped, come on God, really!!?; children are molested and sodomized; a man or woman’s body is brutally assaulted through sex trafficking; a woman is raped; children like Polly Klaas are abducted and murdered. None of my education in theology or the law tells me why this happens.
I DO Know
My God is a loving God. I’ve read the entire Bible and know the character of God.
My Redeemer lives.
Jesus is crying with my old friend and his family. He cries with the child after a rape or other assault. He’s with the family of the missing child.
God is heartbroken over these tragedies.
Death is not the end for those who Believe. My old friend will be reunited with his son one day.
God can provide a peace that you don’t understand how you have. I can attest to this from my own trials and tragedies.
God can heal and mend broken hearts.
Jesus is the Rock and Source of comfort, peace, and strength.
Don’t Give Up
If you are heartbroken or if your body has been battered by abuse, even if it may not feel like it, know that God is near. You are loved with an everlasting love. (Jeremiah 31:3). You are not alone. There are people who have been in your shoes who are willing to listen, talk, or just be there for you. Don’t give up fighting for strength, hope, and peace.