Suffering Redemption

So I guess I have been a little lazy in posting my blogs! So here is the latest installment for your perusal.

Why do some people get sick, others stay healthy and still others die painful and gruelling deaths? Why is it that some pray to be delivered from an addiction and are immediately healed while others struggle with alchohol for the rest of their lives? Why is it that some are delivered from the bondage of abuse while still others endure it for a lifetime? Why is it that some children live in the bondage of poverty and others are spoiled by abundance - both condemned it seems to me.

The question of human suffering is one that seems to be asked by all critical thinkers at some point in their spiritual quest. I cannot say that I have an answer, but I do have a response. All I can say is that it has to do with the Glory of His Name.

I cannot determine what will honor God more: A woman who has no motor skills but the use of her facial muscles or an athelete who points to heaven after a touchdown. I cannot say whether preaching a sermon with a strong voice is more effective than preaching from one's deathbed. I cannot say why or what brings God the most glory - but I do believe He will bring glory and honor to His name - not to mine!

However, doesn't He still heal? Absolutely! And, He still performs miracles everyday. Should we ask for these healings and miracles? Absolutely, He is our Father and He will do what is best for His children so long as it brings Honor and Glory to His Name. This is not to be fatalistic, but rather to live by faith in a Good God who loves His children. He does love each one of us more than we love ourselves - but He wants us to love Him more than we love ourselves.

Do we expect Him to do what is best for us or for Him? Do you do what is best for your computer or for you? Do you what is best for your art or what is best for you? If we are God's creation, how could we possibly expect the Creator to do what is best for us over and above what is best for Him?

But that is just it, in His Divine Providence He did something incredible: He being God became nothing; taking on the very nature of a man, and became obedient even unto death. And it not only benefited man, but brought Glory to the Father.