Bonnie Smith
Why God?

During my study through Job I was reminded of how much we truly suffer in this life. When we are suffering or especially when we see little ones suffering horrendous atrocities, it causes us to question God. Not only do our thoughts betray us but the enemy of our souls, who is orchestrating those horrible acts, is sitting on the sidelines whispering lies about God's character. Lies that we belief too easily, such as God doesn't really care, He is unable to help or stop it, or that He's cruel for allowing such pain and suffering. In those times, we must remember that God is incapable of being evil or cruel and that He is always good! It may not seem like it from our perspective, but everything He does has a greater purpose that we cannot see or comprehend. Also, there are so many other reasons for our suffering such as, the consequences of our own disobedience, Gods discipline for our disobedience (Hebrews 12:4-11), along with the purification process that comes through trials (1 Peter 4:12). We have such a limited finite brain, that there is no way for us to fully comprehend Gods Ways and Works. In this world we are taught to fear suffering and elevate it so far above everything else. From our perspective, the suffering looks so huge and never ending but from an eternal perspective, it's just a short blink. Our bodies will fail and suffer physically, others will turn from God and do horrible things that cause us immense suffering both emotionally and physically, as well. However, this life is temporary, our bodies are just temporary shells that will fade away in time. But thankfully, God is the protector of our souls!! No one and nothing is allowed access the souls of His children! Ephesians 1:13-14 2 Corinthians 5:1,3, 5, 7 "For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies. God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit. For we live by believing and not by seeing." 2 Corinthians 1:22 "He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come." So, as we push through the trials in this life, we have a hope and promise that suffering will not last forever, that it is only temporary! We have this hope as children of God that even though we struggle now, the current temporary suffering cannot even come close to comparing to the glory and amazement of the eternal life to come! It is so very important that we keep this perspective, not only for our peace of my and strength to endure but for those lost souls headed toward an eternity of suffering, who are watching you. You are to be the lantern whose light shines on the path for those who have yet placed their faith in Christ Jesus to find their way to Him. We must live a life in such a way that will lead those who are not yet children of God, straight to the comforting arms of Jesus! Who will not only comfort them in this life, but also offer them a hope for an eternal life where there is no pain or suffering! Always remember, Satan may appear to be winning this battle but the blood of Christ has already won the war! So during this battle we are in, endure these trials with the strength and confidence of a soldier on the battlefield searching for those who have fallen along the way. Lift them up, build them up and guide them to The Only One who can save their souls and heal their wounds! Hebrews 7:18-20 "So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Jesus has already gone in there for us."