Some Recent Thoughts
Daily, I'm reminded of my pastoral inadequacies . . . when I sit by the bed of an elderly man wasting away from cancer . . .when I attempt to provide counsel to a couple whose twenty-year marriage is in jeopardy . . . when I officiate the funeral service for an abused, murdered child. It is so often difficult to find the right words, the satisfactory answers. And yet, I know God continues to uphold me and inform me through His Spirit. Bear with me as I share with you some thoughts that God has impressed upon me lately.
First, the effects of sin upon our lives are devastating. I'm not talking about our individual sins alone; rather, I'm speaking about the corporate aspect of sin. Because we are all part of the common lot of sin, we experience suffering, pain, and grief. No wonder creation itself groans (Romans 8:22) as it feels and witnesses sin's consequences.
Second, many ask the age old question, "Why?" I personally believe that it is fine to approach God with such inquiry. Christ never invited pretense but instead welcomed our authentic walk with Him. He wants us to share our hearts with Him genuinely. The Lord is certainly "big" enough to take our questions and answer them as He deems best. Remember that as you approach Him with your question, He retains the right to answer in His own time. In fact, He may not reveal the "why" until we stand before Him (e.g. Job). (Note: In some cases, I'm not sure knowing the "why" would necessarily help. It would not remove the pain you feel from disease, separation, death, etc.)
Third, I believe that God can take any event and work it out for His glory and for our good (Romans 8:28). Even the most heinous act can be redeemed. What example can I cite? The Cross of Christ. The crucifixion was something intended to be evil by those who carried it out, but our Lord intended it to be something good, something sacrificial, something salvific. If God can do that, He can so work in your life.
Fourth, God's grace is still sufficient. The same Christ Who has provided for us before is the same Friend Who still stands by us in the most troublesome moments.
Fifth, the trials of the present age are only temporary. This life is but a "vapor which appears for a little while and then vanishes away" (James 4:14). Like you, I long for the day when sin's effects have been totally removed. No more diseases, broken relationships, or deaths. No more sin! What a day that will be for all who have accepted Christ as Savior and Lord! This realization prompts me to join with the Apostle John in exclaiming,, "Even so, come Lord Jesus!"