With everything that's been happening in the world lately, it's easy to think that God has slipped away and left us to fend for ourselves. The amount of pain and suffering that has taken over the world is overwhelming. Why has God not stepped in? Why can't we feel His presence anymore?
While I was watching the morning news, I admittedly found myself mad at God and confused why He would let so much sadness take over this world, His beautiful creation. It didn't make sense that a God, who has the power to calm raging seas, would allow such terrible things to happen. Why wasn't He speaking to this nation and letting His power and presence be known? Where was our burning bush or gut feeling that He was at work and everything would be okay? Why is this nation slowly crumbling while He just seems to sit back and watch? That's when I realized God didn't turned His back on this nation. This nation that has turned it's back on Him.
So many people ask why would such a merciful God send times of suffering? It's a complex question that can be answered with one simple, yet powerful word. Sin. As people, we have something called free will. We have a choice to cave into the temptations of the devil or cling to the cross. The devil is pulling at every insecurity, trying to turn you from God. He wants you to forget about everything God has done for you. When we fall for these temptations and leave the center of God's will, we can't expect an amazing God-sized reward. However, He is willing to look passed each and every time we failed Him. All we have to do is answer His call and fall at His feet.
You see, God sent His son, Jesus, to endure more pain and suffering than we will ever be able to comprehend. He was shamed and whipped to near death. He carried a cross on His back through cities where people spat on Him and ridiculed a man who was sent to save them. A crown of thorns was placed on Jesus' head and blood dripped down His face. His hands and feet were nailed to a cross where He hung until He took His last breath. This man who endure such painful things, was flawless. He deserved nothing that was done to Him. This was all for our sins. While He was hanging on that cross and enduring all of that pain, He was thinking of you. So, choose Jesus and His grace. Be the hands and feet that guide this nation back to God. Instead of just praying for a miracle and asking God to heal this land, be that miracle. Let God use you to show His love to others. Show compassion to the people who are hurting. Bring joy to this dead world and be the light for this nation. The Lord created our hearts to hold empathy and our minds to problem solves. Figure out how you can help your community find God in tragedy.
During such hard times, it is hard to imagine that God is with us. But, He has never left our side, and He never will. He is here. Just because we don't notice Him working in our life, doesn't mean He isn't doing anything behind the scenes. Trust in God. Be patient and watch His artwork unfold. God is here, we just don't see and appreciate His handy work.
Seasons of brokenness and pain happen for a reason. They are reminders for you to have faith in God. Faith is believing without seeing. Faith is what we are called to live by. When you wake up each morning, you may not feel God or have a burning bush, but know that He is right beside you. Fall to your knees each morning in awe of Him working in your life. He is here, and He is loving you immeasurably.
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"I believe with all my heart that standing up for America means standing up for the God who has so blessed our land. We need God's help to guide our nation through stormy seas. But we can't expect Him to protect America in a crisis if we just leave Him over on the shelve in our day-to-day living." - Ronald Reagan
