I’m okay with the idea that God sometimes causes hardship. Shari and I have certainly been through our share of injustice from those within the church, and tragic circumstances not of our own making. And, yes, our temptation has often been (due to errant teaching) to say, “But God, we’ve been faithful in XYZ. Why is this happening to us? We don’t deserve it!”. However, I have found great comfort in the story of Joseph who was sold into slavery where he was unjustly accused spending years in Pharoah’s dungeon to ultimately become the Prime Minister of Egypt. He went through these things by God’s own hand who “meant it for good”. And what was that good? It was to save the very brothers who sold him into slavery. Secondly, I find great comfort in God’s “non-answer” to Job, “Where were you when…..?”, and “Who did XYZ?”. At the end of the day, it is the logical conclusion of the blasphemy of Prosperity theology so pervasive to the modern “church” that leads us to believe that our works have earned us something and that our suffering means that God is unjust. It is so difficult for Westerners to understand that “He is made strong in our weakness” and what it truly means to “fellowship in Christ’s suffering”. There is so much that I don’t understand. I don’t believe I can fully understand my brother’s sudden death, the suicide of my cousin, the dysfunction of my massive family, and the unwarranted hatred of many who have identified themselves with God….etc…..this side of eternity. BUT…I find my only true peace in knowing that God who is capable of wiping my memory from the earth is concerned with my individual place in this world for the purpose of His will and to His glory alone which ultimately benefits me because He is perfectly just and perfectly loving at the same time without contradiction.
Beautifully written, Paul. Alan and I spent years where our troubles in life did not match the verses that we were taught to “stand on”. Through it all, we tried to hang onto God, sometimes by a thread. He proved Himself faithful to us, but not in ways the church necessarily taught.
We are now attending a wonderful church in Tulsa called Sanctuary. It is Episcopal/ liturgical. I have never felt more loved and accepted by God than I do at Sanctuary.
I know what you mean and you all lived it more than most! Sanctuary sounds great. One of the sermons I listen to regularly via podcast is from an Anglican Church. I could get into that!
I’m okay with the idea that God sometimes causes hardship. Shari and I have certainly been through our share of injustice from those within the church, and tragic circumstances not of our own making. And, yes, our temptation has often been (due to errant teaching) to say, “But God, we’ve been faithful in XYZ. Why is this happening to us? We don’t deserve it!”. However, I have found great comfort in the story of Joseph who was sold into slavery where he was unjustly accused spending years in Pharoah’s dungeon to ultimately become the Prime Minister of Egypt. He went through these things by God’s own hand who “meant it for good”. And what was that good? It was to save the very brothers who sold him into slavery. Secondly, I find great comfort in God’s “non-answer” to Job, “Where were you when…..?”, and “Who did XYZ?”. At the end of the day, it is the logical conclusion of the blasphemy of Prosperity theology so pervasive to the modern “church” that leads us to believe that our works have earned us something and that our suffering means that God is unjust. It is so difficult for Westerners to understand that “He is made strong in our weakness” and what it truly means to “fellowship in Christ’s suffering”. There is so much that I don’t understand. I don’t believe I can fully understand my brother’s sudden death, the suicide of my cousin, the dysfunction of my massive family, and the unwarranted hatred of many who have identified themselves with God….etc…..this side of eternity. BUT…I find my only true peace in knowing that God who is capable of wiping my memory from the earth is concerned with my individual place in this world for the purpose of His will and to His glory alone which ultimately benefits me because He is perfectly just and perfectly loving at the same time without contradiction.
Soli Deo Gloria
Thanks, Paul!
Thank you for this, Mark! Saying prayers for you today. Tell Shari I said hello!
Spot on!
Paul,
Thank you so much for sharing about your experience’s with god in your life.
The noise of the world can truly fog your mind of gods purpose and presence with us.
Thank you, Chris!
Beautifully written, Paul. Alan and I spent years where our troubles in life did not match the verses that we were taught to “stand on”. Through it all, we tried to hang onto God, sometimes by a thread. He proved Himself faithful to us, but not in ways the church necessarily taught.
We are now attending a wonderful church in Tulsa called Sanctuary. It is Episcopal/ liturgical. I have never felt more loved and accepted by God than I do at Sanctuary.
Blessings to you and Vicki!
I know what you mean and you all lived it more than most! Sanctuary sounds great. One of the sermons I listen to regularly via podcast is from an Anglican Church. I could get into that!
Likewise! It is good to trust and believe that He wants to hear whatever we need to say to Him