Today's Terrific Tuesday guest is Victor Moubarak who writes at Time for Reflections which he describes as a little Christian whisper in the vast expanse which is the World Wide Web.
Victor has written a Christian fiction book "Visions" about the apparition of Christ in a small English town, featuring the amiable Father Ignatius. His Blog consists of short stories featuring Father Ignatius, as well as short articles to help us reflect on our Christian Faith. You can learn more about the book and Fr Ignatius on Victor's Blog.
Here's an article he has written especially for us to help us in our reflections:
WHEN THINGS GO WRONG
The world is frequently in turmoil; earthquakes, floods, droughts, famines and wars are often on our TV screens. As well as many more localised tragedies that occur near us, to us or to our loved ones; such as disasters, accidents, sudden serious illnesses and so on.
The usual knee-jerk reaction is to blame God. "Why did He let this happen? Does He not care?" are words often uttered or cross our minds when things go wrong.
I believe that God allows bad things to happen. He does not make them happen.
"Why?"
God allows these things to happen to serve His own purpose in His own time and in His own way. We really do not know why He allows them to happen; but we must trust Him. Difficult as it may be under the circumstances; we must trust Him.
When bad things happen, it is important to remember that God is still in control.
He is not hiding behind the sofa whimpering and trembling in fear.
He knows what has happened, how it affects people close to the event, and even people far away and totally detached from it. He never loses control of the situation.
Our reaction to these events is therefore vital. Our human nature will take over and all our emotions will come to the fore - shock, fear, denial, anger and so on.
However, when we have calmed down a little, we should turn to God and praise and thank Him.
"What did you just say? Praise Him?"
We are praising and thanking Him for still being in control of the situation - not because He allowed the bad thing to happen.
Our praise acknowledges His supreme power over the whole universe. We are in effect saying that we accept that He allowed the bad things to happen, yet we still trust Him, and trust that His will be done.
So let's Praise Him always - through gritted teeth even!
When we acknowledge, in such terrible situations, that His will is still paramount; we open a channel, in certain circumstances, for God to turn the situation to the good.
I have seen this happen several times.
Good will result from any bad situation as we praise God and acknowledge His will above all else.
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4 comments:
Our praise acknowledges His supreme power over the whole universe. We are in effect saying that we accept that He allowed the bad things to happen, yet we still trust Him, and trust that His will be done
"Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die!” But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips." Job 2:9-10
When we acknowledge, in such terrible situations, that His will is still paramount; we open a channel, in certain circumstances, for God to turn the situation to the good.
The Great Commission
"Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28: 16-20
Thank you Tracy for the opportunity to contribute to your Blog.
God bless you always.
So, if god has the power to stop bad things from happening and doesn't, why should we praise him? This isn't about control or power. We should praise people or gods simply because they are in control or have power. We should praise them due to their moral actions. So, the real question is whether it is moral for god to allow evil to occur when he has the power to stop it.
So, if god is in control, then god not only has the power to stop it but is able to set the conditions that bring about disasters (who else created the Earth with tectonic plates, etc. - god can't escape blame for earthquakes and other natural disasters). This goes far beyond simply allowing things to happen, and shows an immoral character that causes suffering. Even if god simply allowed it, he would be negligent at the very least since he has the power to stop suffering - at no cost to himself - but does not do so. Why should anyone praise such an immoral entity?
Thank you for always sharing thought provoking posts from many precious friends sister Tracy. As we go through fiery trials, it's comforting to know that God is in control and knowing that in the long run, I will emerge stronger in character. To be more like Him. Blessings.
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