The KNEXN

One of the biggest problems people have with God, in my opinion, is the problem with evil. We have just completed a study in my Wednesday night class on “The Existence of God” and “The Problem of Suffering.” In this study we covered this very issue. Not to be a dooms-dayer or the barrier of bad news but in some point in our lives, we will be faced with a tragedy and usually the first words people say is “Why has God let this happen to me?” It doesn’t matter if they are Christian or not, God always seems to get the blame. This is a deep, deep subject but I want to share my thoughts from my meditation this weekend.

I opened my Bible to Acts 12 and read about the persecution that has arisen to the point where the apostles were getting killed. In verse one and two we see where Herod the king had taken James, the brother of John, and had him beheaded. It so pleased the Jews that he was going to grab another one and do it again. Peter was the lucky, well, unlucky catch of the day. It was the time of the Passover (Acts 12:4) so Herod would have to put killing Peter off for at least a week. I don’t know about you but if I was Peter, knowing that I was going to lose my life in a few days, never getting to see my family again, I’d be so upset. I’d be yelling at these guards trying to persuade them that I had done nothing wrong and to let me go! But what do find Peter doing? He is chained between two guards sleeping (vs.6). That’s a testament to the peace of God. As the story reads, Peter is rescued by an angel and ends up at John Mark’s house where the Christians had been gathered praying for Peter.

Here’s a question for you. What’s fair about this story? What if you were in James’ shoes? His brother was killed while Peter was saved! Is this fair? Some of you would say no, absolutely not but others would say yes. I say “yes” and here’s why: Isaiah 45:18-22 says that God is a Just God. Revelation 15 paints a picture of what it’s like in heaven after those who won the victory over the beast arrived and verse 3 says that God is Just and His ways are true. I will make it as plain and simple as I can and you may say it’s just a “cop out” answer but it’s the best I can give. God is perfect in all His ways. Every decision He makes is right, it is just. It doesn’t matter if we agree with it or understand it. We can question Him all we want to but He is still God and He is in control. I don’t know why He rescued Peter and allowed James to die. But I know that He was there to comfort and strengthen them, to help them prepare for what was ahead.

Where else do we have to turn to? Are you going to turn your back on God? How then will you be saved? How will you make it into heaven? How will our sins be forgiven because Christ is the ONLY answer (John 14:6)! If you turn your back on God, you lose and their remains no more sacrifice for your sins. Instead of questioning God “Why?” we need to run to Him for comfort and strength, not run away from Him. Read 2 Thessalonians 1. In these verses you will see where persecution and tribulation actually made the Christians stronger because it brought them closer together and they relied upon God to see them through it all. Their hope hung on the fact that someday Jesus would come to their rescue and their persecutors would be repaid by God. Friend, God is here to help not hurt. He is here to comfort, NOT condemn. Trust Him don’t turn away from Him. He will give you peace and He will help your understanding. Randy