I just had an interesting revelation recently, about 2 days ago when i was reading this book called "Reaching for the Invisible God"
My christian faith was never in doubt - i never stopped believing that Jesus is God and blabla all that. But i DID have many questions that i never received satisfying answers to.
For example, one thing which i always had problems accepting was that - Christians seem to shape what they say to accomodate the fact that God is good.
Ok for example.. when bad things happen, christians will say oh it's part of God's plan, everything will eventually turn out fine, and they seem to help push all the blame off God when bad things happen, but when good things happen, they praise God and all.
As the author of the book writes : "How can i praise God for the good things in life without censuring him for the bad?"
Indeed, how? Then the author presents this simple analogy which struck home .. it made total sense and i realised i've been thinking about it the wrong way. I hope i'm not violating any copyright laws by typing it out here:
"I find a parallel in human relationships. If i am waiting for my friend Larry at a rendezvous point, and he has not shown up an hour past the agreed-upon time, I do not start cursing his irresponsibility and thoughtlessness. Years of friendship have taught me that Larry is prompt and reliable. I assume that something -- a flat tire? an accident? -- over which he had no control has thwarted his plans. Those i love, i credit for good things and try not to blame for bad, assuming instead other forces are at work"
It's true isn't it? In our relationship with God, i'm sure we've had experienced some blessings which he has showered upon us. Good friends, a comfortable home.. loving parents . etcetc.
Over time, we've established the fact that God is a loving God.
Hence when tough times come.. we shouldnt automatically blame God and all. On the contrary, it may be 'other forces at work' , such as the devil himself trying to plant seeds of doubt in us like to Job in the Bible.
Just bear in mind that God will not let us suffer more than what we can bear. Instead, through our sufferings, we learn to become stronger, more resilient, more durable.
=)
