From a worldly point of view, a perfect world would not include pain or suffering.
This week in our class discussion, we covered some of the implications of a pain free world. It's important that we understand that such a world may not be all it's cracked up to be.
In looking at the Genesis story, we explored how our freedom to choose is connected to the fact that there is pain and suffering in the world.
Think about how God felt when He decided to let Adam and Eve choose to eat the apple. He knew their would be hurt and pain, but He also knew that if He eliminated their ability to choose, our existence would be meaningless
Think about how God felt when He decided to let Adam and Eve choose to eat the apple. He knew their would be hurt and pain, but He also knew that if He eliminated their ability to choose, our existence would be meaningless
What makes us uniquely human, besides that thumb you have on your hand, and the ability to symbolize in our minds, is our free agency. God gave to humans, over all other animals, the freedom to consciously choose our path. We are unique in that we can choose.
We can choose to walk with God, or to hide from him (just as Adam and Eve chose in Genesis 3:8-9).
Ultimately, this ability to choose gives meaning and purpose to our individual lives. It is important, regardless of our circumstances, to keep the eternal perspective in view as we live life.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 tells us that we should view pain and suffering as temporary. Keep the faith in the midst of these times because God is going to do something about it. One day, he will remove pain and suffering from the equation.
Remember, this too shall pass.
That's hard to embrace and believe, especially if we are in the midst of pain and suffering...but it is true! It really is! And we need to remind each other of that Truth when appropriate.
Sometimes, life is too overwhelming to really believe it, and we need others to help us remember. We're all in this together and we need to urge each other on in the faith, especially during times of suffering.
You may be suffering so much, you can't believe "this too shall pass". You may not be capable, at some point, to even believe that God is good and that He shares your hurt. You may not be able to believe that He is going to do away with pain and suffering someday.
That's OK. I'll believe for you. And I only ask that when I come upon a time when I can't believe, that you will believe for me.
Pray for each other this week, especially those we know of personally who are going through tough times. Believe for each other!
That's hard to embrace and believe, especially if we are in the midst of pain and suffering...but it is true! It really is! And we need to remind each other of that Truth when appropriate.
Sometimes, life is too overwhelming to really believe it, and we need others to help us remember. We're all in this together and we need to urge each other on in the faith, especially during times of suffering.
You may be suffering so much, you can't believe "this too shall pass". You may not be capable, at some point, to even believe that God is good and that He shares your hurt. You may not be able to believe that He is going to do away with pain and suffering someday.
That's OK. I'll believe for you. And I only ask that when I come upon a time when I can't believe, that you will believe for me.
Pray for each other this week, especially those we know of personally who are going through tough times. Believe for each other!
No comments:
Post a Comment