My sister, who lives near Boston, sent me a text message this afternoon: “We’re all ok…” Thank God.
However, I know that others received unimaginably painful messages from Boylston Street today. Brokenhearted, I pray for all who suffered loss and for those who are fighting for life and limb.
Some dots defy connection to God. What possible association could a loving, righteous, just and merciful God have had with a violent act of terrorism? In my mind, none. Evil is the antithesis of God; sin’s darkness to God’s light.
Yet, we live in a dark world illuminated only by the goodness of God.
God rarely gives us logical explanations when we face confusion, pain and sorrow. Instead, he gives us himself. When Moses questioned the wisdom of demanding that Pharoah let God’s people go, God said, “I will be with you.” God told his people through the prophet Isaiah, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you…” Jesus, God himself incarnate, was the physical expression of “God with us.” When Jesus grieved over the grave of his friend Lazarus, he said, “I am the resurrection and the life.” We have his promise that, “…surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
I have to admit that sometimes I would rather have answers. Today is one of those times. Today, I have questions. Today, I have the promise of the loving and sufficient presence of God.
Somehow His presence is the answer to all of our questions and comfort for all of our sorrow.
How do you handle your questions for God? Does the presence of God comfort you?
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Photo courtesy of Community Bible Study’s facebook page.
Connecting Dots...to God 
Thanks for this one, Judy–you helped me as I plan an upcoming testimony post. Sometimes I believe I do get answers from Him–but you’re right, sometimes what we get is His Presence amid the pain/confusion/shock/doubt. And that’s not half bad!
I liked Helen’s comments and agree with her. Maybe you can follow up “down the road”, but for now I hope God tells you to stay with CBS.
So true Judy. Things broken no longer function as in its intended form. But as you so well say, the One who created and formed has all authority over all things. So we trust. Just as Joseph trusted there was a reason for his enslavement. Just as Jesus knew there was an eternal purpose in His Cross. All things are still working for the good for those who love God, even when those things make no sense at all. Blessings and much gratefulness for your faithful words.
This was great. What a sad event. Have you thought of becoming a writer for a Christain something? I definitely try to tell anyone interested in journalism that it is a tough field, but everything is a tough field now. You have a fabulous gift of writing. Maybe God would want you to get paid for it. I am trying to think outside of the box for ya’ll. I love reading your blog and you help me in knowing Jesus better. Did you give up on Appalachian State? I was thinking you could teach Journalism! Feel free to go use the condo in Grandfather mountain if you want!!
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I bet that was a huge relief to hear that from your sister. I am thankful that our family there is ok too. May the souls of the departed RIP. May the injured heal soon & well. God be with us all.
So glad everyone is all right, Judy! Thank you for this post. I know these things; but it doesn’t make me want to hear them any less.
~ Cara
Hi Cara, I think I wrote this to remind myself:). Bless you!
“…How do you handle your questions for God?…”
In the Old Testament, when bad things happened to Israel, the people sought God and asked, “Lord, why did this happen? Have we sinned?”
They expected God to answer because He was their Covenant God.
So, if bad things happen to me or my family, I do the same by asking God, and keep on asking, until I get an answer. He’s my Friend and friends talk to each other in their troubles.
Thanks Larry. I’m glad you get answers! I mostly get assurances of God’s love, his faithfulness, and his presence instead of clear answers. Of one thing I’m sure – He gives us each exactly what we need.