Tuesday, April 16, 2013

"Where was God?"

I have seen numerous postings on Facebook asking this question in response to yesterday's tragedy in Boston: "Where was God?" I know that we can ask ourselves the same question when it comes to any tragedy; including Sep. 11 attacks, Atlanta bombings, to news of kids being shot in gun wars. I would like to help shed a little light on this subject. But first of all, I am going to turn this question back around to us? Where were we?

Where were we in 1948 when the Supreme Court ruled that prayer time was no longer allowed in schools? Where were we in 1962 when they ruled that prayer in school was unconstitutional? Where were we in 1980 when the Supreme Court ruled that 10 Commandments were no longer allowed in schools? Where are we now when schools no longer say the "Pledge of Allegiance" because of the phrase "One nation, under God."?

For many years Christians have stood aside and let this country subside from it's Christian foundation. So many can debate me and say that we were not founded as a Christian nation, but there is more proof on the side of Christian founding fathers than not. So where were we, as a people, in these times when Christian rights are taken out of our schools and out of our kids lives? We wonder why there are so many problems in schools? Remember, it's not the tool that is used to hurt people, it's the person behind the tool.

Now, going back to the original question of "Where was God?" While yesterday was a very tragic event, and it is sad that such a young boy lost his life because of a terrorist attack, it is small in comparison to amounts of lives being lost everyday. But know that in any instance of hurt, that God will use it for His plan. I know this stinks to say this. But I think of people with diseases, that have been able to help others with their pain. Or what about addicts that have overcome their addictions, only to help others overcome theirs? I bet during their addiction times there was a lot of people that this person may have hurt, but now he is serving the Lord.

It is not for us to say what God's will is. I look back to Job when he was asking why everything bad was happening to him. His friends are trying to say that he did something wrong, or his family did something wrong, but Job keep saying that he never did anything to deserve the punishment he was receiving. But in Job 38 God asks Job where he Job was when God was creating the world? Why do you ask what reason I have without knowledge? This means that God has His reasons for everything, and who are we to question God.


Isaiah 55:8-9 says:
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
    neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts than your thoughts." (NIV)

God has a plan. God has something in His playing hand that we have not seen yet. The important thing to remember is that these acts were not committed by God, but by one that has been lost. So my plea to my fellow Christians is to go out and help the lost. More people that come to know the love and grace of God, the less of these problems we will have.



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