Ever Question, "Why"?

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Psalm 46:1-3
Do you ever question , "Why?" I think we all do, I think it is human. It has been a very rough several weeks in the lives of those I love. I have had (and continue to have) 5 family members in the hospital with very serious health concerns. I have some close friends who are all going through personal turmoil. Sometimes I feel at a loss for how I can be a better person and help those who are in need. Sometimes that is all that is required, presence of ones self.
Author, Stacey James points out, God does not create evil; he allows it to occur. When he originally created the world, he created all things good. He created people, however, with the freedom to choose. This includes the freedom to make right and wrong choices. Often those wrong choices bring about consequences that end up hurting ourselves or other people, sometimes innocent victims who didn't deserve it.Of course, God could intervene and control everything about our lives--the good and the bad--but then we would merely be robots and not truly free. He could even force us to love him if he wanted, but then forced love isn't true love. He gives us the freedom to choose or not to choose him, the freedom to live and enjoy life, and the freedom to make right and wrong choices. Unfortunately, we are left to deal with the consequences of our own and other people's actions.There is good news, however.
First of all, the God of love is also a God of justice. For all those who make wrong choices, hurt innocent victims, and get off Scot-free, a time is coming when they will face the consequences of their actions. God is the Ultimate Judge, and in due season, God will judge everyone for all their deeds. "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account" (Hebrews 4:13).
Second, God often uses the trials of life for a greater good, often to develop our character and make us better people. And we are able to help others in similar circumstances. Trials also force us to see what is important in life, and often drive us to God when nothing else will. We see the importance of faith, of love, of caring, and of family and friends.
Third, God has provided a way out. A time is coming when there will be no more suffering. In heaven, people will enjoy a paradise beyond imagination. God has created a place of eternal glory where there will be no more crying, pain, sickness, or death; a place where people will share his joy forever.
Finally, God does care. He never promised life would be problem-free, but he promised to be with people. Jesus himself felt love, compassion, and sorrow, and was drawn like a magnet to those who were hurting. God, in his love, wants a relationship with us. "For God so loved the world, that he gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16).
God does not give anyone of us something that we cannot handle, although it may seem that way at times. As humans we have to search for the lesson in adversment and use that to better ourselves or to minister to another. Life is a lesson from God. We are His students and if we apply ourselves we will reap the experience in Life. Just as we as parents want our children to experience life and learn from it, our Father wants the same from us. We are all His children.