Bad things are inevitable in this world.
Things happen every day that scare us, that hurt us, that worry us, that destroy us. The devastation around the world that we see every day is shocking. The news reports of another shooting, another attack, another death, another disaster. It is in times like these that some people get angry and ask the question "Where is God?" They wonder where He is and what He is doing when such devastation strikes and leaves us without words to describe what we feel. Yet the question of "Where is God?" is entirely the wrong question to ask. For why would we have any right to ask such a question when we know exactly where God is during times like these? He is right beside us. He is the whisper of hope in the midst of pain. He is the healing in the midst of suffering. He is the comfort in the midst of hurt. And He is weeping over what is happening. He is weeping for our pain. But we're human and we make our own choices and a lot of times people make really, really bad choices. The heartache of those choices are the consequences that we must bear. Because God gives us free choice, it is our choice to do wrong, even if it means hurt in the end. He is a Parent not a slave-driver. So the true, honest question to ask in times like these is not "Where was God?" No the true, honest question to ask is... Where were YOU? For truly, you are the one God has appointed for such times as these. You are the one He is asking to step up and do something. To show up when no one else would. When a devastation happens it is our responsibility as ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20) to show up and bring relief and help. To give food to the hungry, to give water to the thirsty, to give shelter to the homeless, to defend the defenseless, to speak for those who cannot (Isaiah 58:6-9). When someone is hurting it is our responsibility to show up and love. To rejoice with them, to cry with them, to comfort them, to be there for them. To show up and do something. God has given us a holy task of being His hands and feet in this world. When a disaster happens and no one goes to help, the question is certainly not "Where was God?" The question is "Where were you when He called you to go?" So in the midst of the suffering and disasters that we see happen around us every day, remember to ask yourself what you are doing and where you are when others need you. Don't turn away and refuse to see what is happening because it's easier not facing it. Choose to love, listen, comfort, and help when everything crashes down. Choose to be there and show up. Then when disaster happens, the world will watch the followers of Christ raise up and stand to show His love in the midst of tragedy. And through that they will be able to see that He was there all along. Show up. Be there. And don't look away.
4 Comments
Olivia Bell
8/23/2016 09:04:48 pm
I know I probably say this too much, but you are such an inspirational writer! This article was not exception, it was powerful! :D
Reply
Bella Morganthal
8/24/2016 06:18:53 pm
Thank you so much, Livy! That means so much! :)
Reply
Jesus is always there! He is SO good!! Yes, we need to help people:D This kinda reminds me of the song "Love Riot" by the Newsboys!! I'd heard it before and liked it but as of yesterday I really got hooked! I listen to several times yesterday! Very powerful song!!
Reply
Bella Morganthal
8/24/2016 06:19:33 pm
Yes, He is!! Oh, yeah I heard them do that song in concert! :)
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
October 2019
Categories |