We hear of school shootings, hijackings, and other sorts of evil that is acted out upon innocent victims, and we gasp and wonder why. Why?? Why would someone do this? Don't they know that these people have families who love them? Why don't they care?
Today we heard of a bombing; a calculated act of evil and violence in Boston at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. And we wonder why. Why?? In the aftermath of tragedies like this, the question often rises: Why would a good God allow this to happen?
I don't know the answer to that. But I do know that God IS good. And in His great goodness, we have been given the freedom of choice. We choose how to act, who to associate with, and what to believe. We choose what to eat, what to read, and when to do both. We relish the freedom to choose. God gives us that, and we receive much mercy for our inevitable slip-ups.
Generally, if we chose to lose our temper with one of our kids, a bolt of lightning will not fall from the heavens, splitting the skies and erase us from our life. We might be hit with a jolt of guilt, remorse, or sadness, but usually, we won't be struck down because of our actions.
And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah, and God struck him down there because of his error, and he died there beside the ark of God. (2 Samuel 6:7)
When you think of a person or people group who has no choice, we often think of them as having no voice as well. We think of victims of human trafficking and abortion. Of those living in a land without freedom of religion, or the ability to vote. Choice is a good thing - unless... it is abused.
In the reality of this world, some choose evil and destruction. They chose it, and we are left to suffer from their choices. It's around every corner. On a smaller scale than bombings, we have drunk drivers, abusive spouses, and thieves. We don't blame God for the things they do; we put blame on the ones making the bad choices. And on the enemy who is out to annihilate us.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. (John 10:10)
Living with the poor choices of others can be a tragic. We feel helpless - without a choice. We feel mad. Forgiveness seems like joke.
Choices can hurt or they can heal.
There is one choice that stands above the rest; the most important one you could make. There is a true life-giver and pain-taker, named Jesus Christ, and He has paid for your life with His. He is going to make all the sad things come untrue in the end - so I am choosing to align myself with Him no matter what life on earth shall bring. What do you choose?
Good word!
ReplyDelete:)
DeleteI really enjoy your blog and your family so much. This post made me tear up. Thank you for your wise words, they made an impact on my heart.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Leanne... I was convinced this post was junk when I finished it - I'm thankful God used it for His glory!
DeleteHi Amanda,
ReplyDeleteYou are so right. Choices hurt, or choices can heal. I'm afraid I have made some choices that have hurt others very deeply. It's amazing to me that the people I have hurt have chosen to forgive me, thus beginning the healing process. I am trying to make it my goal to make choices that HEAL. Thank you for the reminder.
In Christ,
Bethany