About Michael O`Flaherty (Expert=8663) Expertise Did you know that the Bible does talk about the concept of the trinity? Did you know that Jesus did claim to be God, and that unless He washes you, you will not get into heaven? If you want a spirited debate about your beliefs in relation to the Bible, please ask. I will warn you; you might be challenged. Friendly debate only!
Expert: Michael O`Flaherty (Expert=8663) - 6/7/2006
Question Dear Mike,
I work with a young lady who is really mad at God, we talked very briefly at work and she was raised Jehovah. She was wondering why her mom has been struck with two serious illnesses the last several years if she is such a good witness. I was wondering what they believe about illness and could you please help me bring the gospel to her?
Answer Looks like you never got to read this message, so I am resending it...
Hi Jana!
Human suffering is always a tough subject. I just go back from my best friend’s daughter’s funeral. Her name is Linsi and she was three years old. They discovered leukemia just two weeks before she died. I can tell you that this question came up a lot these past few weeks. My wife and I also lost a son 15 years ago, and scars like this never quite heal.
It is ok to be mad at God or to question him. I think God welcomes that. I would not discourage her from being angry. I would simply encourage her and let her see God’s love through you. People won’t read the Bible sometimes, but they will read the Bible through you. If she believes in God, then that is the best way to reach out to her. Your example of grace and love show God’s true nature.
Of course, if the subject comes up, the Bible does discuss that evil and suffering are the handiwork of Satan. If you are not familiar with Job, read chapter 1. Note: God never fully explains himself why Job suffered so much, so I am afraid that I can’t attempt to explain God’s view on this. He does tend to let things like this happen, but I trust God that it is for his glory. We don’t always see the good that comes from tragedy, but God turns weakness into strength. Of the 500+ people that were at my friend’s funeral, it is possible that many were reached because they are such strong Christians. It was a touching ceremony – it was great to cry together and take comfort knowing that our beloved Linsi is in God’s presence. It was a blessing to see all the love. So you never know what good may come from that.
I do like analogies, though I am not sure it would bring comfort to your friend: God is building a new living temple in heaven made up of saints. We are living rocks cut from the same quarry that Abraham and Sarah were hewn from:
ISA 51:1 "Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness
and who seek the LORD:
Look to the rock from which you were cut
and to the quarry from which you were hewn;
ISA 51:2 look to Abraham, your father,
and to Sarah, who gave you birth.
When I called him he was but one,
and I blessed him and made him many.
God has a special spot for each stone in this temple. However, we don’t always fit – we are rough rocks that need shaped with a chisel. God is constantly preparing us for our *spot*. Sometimes God cuts off a piece that really hurts. Or sometimes God has decided that this piece or that piece will fit perfectly in a special spot. He obviously could have saved Linsi, but he decided that he wanted her in a special location in his temple.
I am not sure this helps, but I will certainly pray for her and for your example. God bless you!
