Chaplain Corner Submissions - Ben Caudill Chaplain's Corner

ON QUESTIONING GOD

Recently I received some sad news regarding two friends. One was a dear friend who was a district judge and worked closely with our youth. His family was devastated. The other was a former principal of mine who passed on and his family was overwhelmed. Both families suffered a tragic loss but handled it differently. One family saw the passing as just that, a time of transition. Though they mourned their loss, they rejoiced in his new found eternal freedom. The other family wailed, protested and wondered what they would ever do. They even questioned God as to why He had taken their family member. They seemed so sad not because of his passing but because of their loss. One could feel the anger, the denial and the questioning of God’s wisdom to take their loved one. They sought an answer which was above my expertise to offer. I don’t pretend to have all the answers and doubt if I have any of the answers other than pointing you to a book that has ALL the answers. But sometimes God provides IF we simply listen to His voice.

Perchance the preoccupation with asking "why" is an attempt at gaining control. If we could understand the "why," then maybe we could affect the "what." This erroneous belief leads us to think we are in control and the world revolves around our lives. We are only upon this planet for a short period of time and we must learn to accept each moment, each event; each lesson regarding that fact as a gift towards understanding. That understanding will not come until the final curtain. Then all things will be revealed. To me that is the great mystery and the great marvel of living on this plateau.

In Ezekiel 18:4, the Bible tells us that, “For every living soul belongs to me, the father as well as the son--both alike belong to me. The soul who sins is the one who will die.” The death of the soul refers to eternal damnation. Our God is an awesome God of mercy. Nehemiah 9:31 states the following: “But in your great mercy you did not put an end to them or abandon them, for you are a gracious and merciful God.” In Romans 5:8, the Bible confirms God’s love for us and his mercies: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

There is one true power that God has us and that is the power of prayer. For every experience there are two possible scenarios. The first case is what will happen if prayer is not offered; the second case is what will happen if prayer does take place. This profound insight can be a great source of comfort to us, as we navigate the uncertainties of life. Even though we are not in control, we can do our part to arouse God's mercy through heartfelt prayer. God is just in His judgments.

Friends, don’t despair. We are not alone in questioning God. Think of Abraham when he was informed he would have a son in his old age. Did he not wonder and question? Do you remember the doubts of John the Baptist, who sent his followers to ask Jesus if He was the One; the Messiah? Was he not questioning God? So what is the answer?

Questioning things is human nature. But God does not plan for your demise. Things happen because of the fallen state of the world. When sin was introduced to mankind, God distanced Himself as far as the East in from the West. But, and I find this amazing, He is only one earnest prayer away. He promised us that He would never abandon us. He always keeps His word. There are those who continue to doubt and question. I Corinthians 1:18 states the following: “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” In II Peter 3:9 the Bible tells us, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

General Jackson understood. “Duty is ours; consequences are God's.” General Lee stated that, "You cannot be a true man until you learn to obey." "Get correct views of life, and learn to see the world in its true light. It will enable you to live pleasantly, to do good, and, when summoned away, to leave without regret."

So dear friends, it comes down to faith. Let us recall the message of Romans 3:22-24: “This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

We are justified by HIS grace and redeemed by HIS blood. Is it not an honor to suffer for Christ and be an example for others?

I found some interesting questions asked of God. I am not sure of the author but thought these questions AND answers offer us hope THROUGH faith. May you have the realization this day…

I asked God to take away my pain. God said, No. It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole. God said, No. Her spirit was whole, her body was only temporary.

I asked God to grant me patience. God said, No. Patience is a by-product of tribulations. It isn't granted, it is earned.

I asked God to give me happiness. God said, No. I give you blessings. Happiness is up to you.

I asked God to spare me pain. God said, No. Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.

I asked God to make my spirit grow. God said, No. You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful.

I asked for all things that I might enjoy life. God said, No. I will give you life so that you may enjoy all things.

I ask God to help me LOVE others, as much as he loves me. God said... Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.