Often when bad things happen the first question people ask is "Where was God?" When suffering and pain increase we hear, "Does God care?" As someone who's dealt with with chronic (sometimes debilitating) pain issues for 15+ years now, I've read, prayed, and studied about God and pain. (side note: Two of my favorite authors to read on the subject of pain are Joni Eareckson Tada and Philip Yancey) I don't pretend to have all the answers to the questions (and I don't trust anyone who does), but here's where I am today: I trust God and I accept that His ways are higher than mine and He knows what is best for me. BUT......I also have a question of my own: "When people suffer: Where are we? Do we care?"
In His wisdom, God has allowed His children to be His hands and feet in this fallen, hurting world; and I wonder what are WE DOING about world hunger, sex trafficking, abused children, broken homes, suffering refugees, and persecuted Christians? What about the people in our neighborhoods and families?
- I can't solve world hunger, adopt all the orphans, or buy freedom for those enslaved; but I can give the $10 left over from grocery shopping this week to an organization that helps.
- I can't heal our friend(s) of cancer, but I can take a meal, send a card, or offer a ride to treatment
- I can't erase the loneliness of elderly friends in the nursing home, but I can ease it by visiting (or during the pandemic dropping off snack bags with cheery notes).
- I can't remove the sorrow from someone suffering the loss of a loved one, but I can pick up the phone let them know I care
- I can't heal broken relationships, but I can sit quietly and listen or offer a shoulder to cry on
- I can't rescue persecuted Christians or house the homeless refugees, but I can pray faithfully and donate to those working on their behalf.
The point is this: Just because we can't fix all the world's problems doesn't mean we can't do something to help. Because if we don't reach out with love and compassion, who will show the love of Jesus to hurting people? Do people know that God cares because we care? Matthew 25:40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of
the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!"
Supplies and tools:
- 100 Days of Grace and Gratitude Devotional Journal (Sweet n Sassy affiliate link)
- Count on Me Digital Stamp Set (Graciellie Design)
- Canson Mix Media Paper
- Arteza Real Brush Pens
- Crochet Dies (Sizzix - Tim Holtz)
- Project Life Cards (Becky Higgins)
- Washi Tape
- Colored Pencils
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