Suffering and Evil

Sooner or later, every Christian faces these questions: Why does God allow suffering and evil? Does God see what's going on here? Does He care? If so, why doesn't He intervene?

The book of Job addresses the question of -suffering more than any portion of Scripture. Although God responds to Job's questions (Chapters 38-41) with His longest unbroken speech in the Bible, He never tells Job why. He basically tells Job that as God He can do whatever He wants, and that's all the answer Job needs.

Big help right?
The fact that God doesn't answer Job's question is somewhat disturbing. But the following perspective may help when you are faced with suffering and evil.

• God didn't condemn Job for his questions. He just reminded Job whom he was talking to. It seems that why is a question we're free to ask, but God isn't bound to answer. Sometimes he will; sometimes he won't. 

•  We live in a fallen world. Bad stuff can and will happen. 

• Being a Christian--or a "good person"--  does not exempt you from suffering. Jesus even guaranteed that we'll experience hard times (John 16:33). But we can be comforted: Jesus overcame suffering and we can, too. It's easy to serve God when life is sunny; the test is how we respond when the storm washes over us. 

• Contrary to what a lot of Christians, God does not promise His children happiness. He's much more concerned with our holiness. Worthwhile things seldom, if ever, come without great cost. Following Jesus is no exception. That's why the Christian life sometimes involves pain and sacrifice. 

• Finally, when nothing else helps, remember this: When you or someone you love suffers, no one hurts more than God. He's a good father who hates to see His children hurt. He feels with us so genuinely that He got personally involved in our struggle--He became a man who suffered and died for us. So when you hurt, remember: You never cry alone. God knows and cares.  

Absolute Answers

Have you ever heard anyone say the truth is relative? Maybe you've even heard someone say, "You're truth isn't necessarily my truth. What's true for you may not be true for me." Ever say that yourself?
Some people think that truth and standards of right and wrong change from decade to decade or from person to person. The make choices based on society's or their peers' definitions of right and wrong. Like Judges 21:25 says, "The people do whatever seems right in their own eyes". Does that describe anyone you know?
Magazines, newspapers, and the Internet carry story after story about lifestyle choices: an unmarried couple who lives together before marriage; a person who finally decides to break "free" oft he shackles of a heterosexual life to explore his or her "true" as a homosexual; a teen who just wants to be free to express his or her sexuality; a pastor who decides to bless the union of a same sex couple-- the list goes on. If you didn't catch those, just wait for the follow-up talk shows and movies. Many of these choices are made in the name of tolerance and other forms of political correctness. Those opposed to these lifestyle choices are viewed as intolerant, especially if society gives them the green light.
Wondering whats truly right or wrong? The Bible provides definite answers. The Ten Commandments and other laws reveal God's standards of right and wrong. Take murder for example. God says no to that. What about adultery? Don't even think about it. Stealing? Ditto. But honoring God and your parents are good moves.
Although times changes, God's standards never do. "Your eternal word, O LORD, stands firm in heaven." (Psalm 119:89). "The very essence of your words is truth; all your just regulations will stand forever." (Psalm 119:160). Because God's standards are always the same, some are quick to describe the Bible as old-fashioned or lacking in relevance. Others might ignore it because they resent being measured by its standards. Whats your view?

Down in the Dumps

Unfortunately, depression is an experience common to many people. Life can be terribly unfair, terribly tragic. That's why many people seek relief from an antidepressant.
There are those who feel that being a Christian makes you somehow immune to depression. If you happen to fall into the pit of despair, well, you're not very "spiritual" are you? Such judgments add a load of guilt to someone who is already miserable.
For those who struggle with feelings of depression, there's good news and bad news.
The bad news is that such feelings are a fact of life in this broken world. Such disappointments or tragedies can leave a person depressed. Now the good news: You are not alone. As Psalm 73 (and many other passages) clearly shows, even God's chosen people experience anxiety, despair, and darkness inside their soul. If Psalm 73 doesn't convince you, check out Elijah's story (1 Kings 19) and Jesus' experience in Gethsemane. Matthew 26 speaks of Jesus' soul being "crushed with grief to the point of death" (v. 38).
Obviously, depression that lasts for a long time indicates need for counseling; but there is nothing unusual or unspiritual about "walking through the dark valley" from time to time.
So when you are caught in one of those unpleasant times, don't add guilt to your load. Just trust that God knows what's up and will help you through this.

Miracles Happen

Fire from Heaven.. flaming chariots.. loved ones coming back to life. When you read such stories in 2 Kings, do you sometimes feel as if you're being asked to believe the impossible?
Ever wonder whether or not miracles really happen or not?
First we need to define what a miracle is. A miracle is any observable event that breaks the normal laws of nature. This includes miracles of nature (the parting of the Red Sea in Exodus 14); healings (Naaman in 2 Kings 5); and supernatural displays (appearances of angels or writing on the wall in Daniel 5). By definition, miracles take place by God's initiative, not human being's. They aren't predictable.
We tend to be skeptical of anything that cannot be photographed, documented, or otherwise objectively "proven". Often, our first response to accounts of something unusual is, "Right. Prove it." When no proof is offered, we are often unconvinced.
The miracles in the Bible often were witnessed by more than one or two people. The plagues in Egypt were experienced by thousands of people. It's kind of hard to fake that kind of testimony.
Another argument to consider is the logical one. If there is a God and He created the universe and set up the laws that govern it, why would it be inconsistent or unbelievable for Him to bend or break the rules He made in the first place? The answer is simple: it's not. It is logical that the one who made the natural law can act in ways that go beyond it.
Just as we believe in other world-changing events without the benefit of being there, so the biblical writers ask us to believe their testimonies of God's supernatural actions in human history. These writings are just one more way God demonstrates His absolute control and His personal involvement in our lives. 

I'm Sort of New to This

Hello there! My name is Breanna and I am a beginner blogger. I hope for this to be a entertaining, interesting, amusing, and informative blog for my family, my friends, and whoever else may come across it. I can't wait to share some of my wild adventures, marathon training updates, and a little glimpse of what my daily consists of with you guys.
So now for a little bit about myself. I am a Disney fanatic, a cat lover, and a selfie queen. I've grown up in small town out in the boondocks of Texas all my life. I am fortunate enough to participate in an online version of homeschooling. I am blessed with a loving family of six, a wonderful group of friends, and an incredible, and greatly appreciated boyfriend. I enjoy the great outdoors, fitness, family time, board games, and following my dreams.
I am very thrilled to finally begin blogging. I hope you all enjoy it!