Those things seem unfair. They are things we would never chose for ourselves, nor would we ever want to watch our children go through those things. However, the reality is that these things happen everyday all over the world.
Christianity teaches that God is sovereign. He is in control over everything and knows everything. He is omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent. God is good all the time.
At least that’s what we’re told.
That’s what we want to believe.
But sometimes we just can’t.
Sometimes we get angry at God.
It seems wrong of Him to allow a child to be born without limbs. Why would He let such a terrible thing happen to anyone?
Knowing that God knew a young woman would die of cancer after struggling with a complex congenital heart defect seems so misleading. How can God allow such things to happen?
Why would He get hopes up just to watch them come falling to the ground?
I had a friend who was speaking at a camp I was working at. For some reason I missed a session where she was speaking so I asked her about it. She started telling me about her opening activity and how surprised she was about the way it turned out. At the beginning of her session she started with a slideshow and the kids had to yell out “good” or “bad” in regard to the picture on the screen. Here’s an example:
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| "Good" |
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| "Bad" |
The campers were yelling out the correct answers when each new picture appeared. After she had flipped through a couple of pictures she came to a picture of a cross. The whole room yelled out “good!”
Thinking back, if I were there I probably wouldn’t have said anything, not knowing what angle she was trying to hit this picture from.
But “good” was not the answer she wanted or expected!
A cross is not a good thing.
But that is the beauty of God.
He can take any situation and use it for good if we let Him.
Those kids knew that the only way we are saved and have freedom is through Jesus dying on the cross AND rising from the dead. If Jesus would have just died, it would mean nothing to us. He wouldn't be any different from any of the other thousands of people who died on a cross.
Sinners. Liars. Deceivers.
But He’s not those things.
He didn’t just die.
He rose.
He did what He said He would do.
He will continue to do what He said He would do. He wants to partner with you in order to advance His Kingdom. He doesn’t need you, but He wants you.
If Megan’s parents would have lost their hope in Christ because of her death, God wouldn’t be partnering with them in the way He currently is. Megan’s parents could have been angry at God forever over the loss of their daughter’s life, but they CHOSE to allow God to use their story for His glory. They CHOSE to allow God to fill what could have been dark forever with His eternal light. Now they get to share Christ’s love with those waiting on a miracle. (You can read more about my friend Megan and how God is working through her story here.)
If Nick Vujicic did not exist many people wouldn’t know of the hope God brings. Nick is an inspirational speaker/evangelist who has inspired many people to live their life for God and to push through their struggles. He has spoken in many countries in front of football stadiums full of people. The irony is that Nick’s main tool for inspiring people is missing.
Nick could have given up. He could have chose to lose this battle. But instead he CHOSE God. He CHOSE to let God in. He CHOSE to share his story for the glory of God.
God really is good. We have to let Him show His goodness through us.
“If you don’t get a miracle, you can still be a miracle.” - Nick Vujicic
Quick update!
I have been enjoying my time here at OMS so much. This past week a Hope61(OMS) missionary, Emily Rinehart, came to help us with rewriting our Hope61 training. Emily has been doing work in Aulstralia and New Zealand and is currently funding to go back. You can check out a little more about her here! I've really gotten to know Emily's heart this past week and I know God is going to work through her!
The director of Hope61 is leaving for Mexico today and taking our new training with him. We are all very excited about all the content and feel the training is more prevention focused now with a clearer vision. Hope61, as a team, is VERY excited!
Over Easter weekend I was able to fly home and surprise some of my family. I had a TON of fun seeing everyone!
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| We also celebrated my bro's 19th birthday. |
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| A few of my cousins. |
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| Poppin' |
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| Love this little brat. So glad I got to hear her talk! |
When I arrived back in Indiana I got a nice welcome home too!
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| It's a zebra cake! ...I promise. |
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| Happy Birthday Sarah! |
We also went to neat little town about 35 minutes away. There were a ton of cute little shops. It reminded me of Jim Thorpe.
We took some fun pictures there too.
Thanks for helping to advance the Kingdom in all the ways that you give and serve.
"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." - 1 Peter 4:10
Thanks for being obedient and allowing God to work through you!
