Author: Chad Bandy

Today’s Readings: Genesis 41-42; Mark 16

Great readings today in some of the most impactful chapters in the Bible.

One of my favorite Bible stories is about Joseph.  Not Joseph, Jesus’ Earthly “father,” Joseph the son of Jacob in the Old Testament.  Back in Genesis chapter 37, we learned of the story of Joseph’s brothers jealousy and hatred for him, due to the favoritism and love that their father, Jacob, showed for him.  As a result, the brothers sold Joseph into slavery, thinking they would never see him again.

Fast forward to chapter 41, Joseph rose from slavery to be the chief of Pharaoh’s business affairs because he was able to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams. Essentially, Joseph predicted the coming famine and saved the Egyptian people and Pharaoh’s kingdom. By saving grain and food during seven years of extreme prosperity, Joseph was able to preserve the kingdom during seven years of famine.

During the famine, Joseph’s brothers went to Egypt to buy grain to save their families from starvation, not knowing it was their brother, who they betrayed, that they were asking for help.  The beauty of the story is that rather that rebuke, punish, or kill his brothers, Joseph’s faith in God helped him have mercy on them and ultimately reunited him with his father and family.

Mark 16, arguably one of Christian’s most meaningful books in the Bible, chronicles the resurrection of Jesus from the tomb, as well as His appearances before his followers.  After the despair and horrible crucifixion of their Savior, the disciples and followers were able to experience the true meaning of faith when Jesus rose from the dead, just as He predicted He would.  At the moment they saw Jesus again, FAITH had true meaning to the disciples and His followers.

This caused me to ask the question “What is true faith in God?” How do we stay strong when times are difficult or push us to fall away from God?  Here are my thoughts on true faith in God.

1. Trust and Confidence: Faith involves trusting in God’s existence and relying on His guidance, even in times of uncertainty or difficulty.
2. Belief in the Unseen: Faith requires a belief in aspects of the divine that may not be directly observable or scientifically proven. It goes beyond empirical evidence and involves a spiritual conviction.
3. Devotion and Obedience: Faith is often expressed through devotion to God and a willingness to follow His teachings and commandments. It involves a commitment to living a life aligned with our beliefs, even though it may be very difficult and require sacrifice.
4. Hope and Assurance: Faith brings a sense of hope and assurance in the promises of God. It involves confidence in the ultimate goodness, wisdom, and sovereignty of God, even in the face of life’s challenges.
5. Relationship with God: Faith is not merely an intellectual acknowledgment but also involves a personal relationship with God. This relationship is nurtured through prayer, worship, and spiritual practices.

Faith is hard.  We naturally want to respond to this world the way that our sinful minds push us.  Revenge, retribution, wish bad things on people, and the list goes on.  Faith is staying true to God’s Word in the face of extreme tribals.  Faith is staying the course when we have no idea if what we are doing will pay off.

I am a work in progress.  I know what I should do.  The challenge is to consistently do it.

Sound familiar?

Today’s Reading Genesis 16-18; Mark 6

Our Old Testament reading today tells of the early days of God’s interaction with Abram and Sarai. Abram and Sarai sought God’s favor to bear a child.  Sarai was unable to conceive a child for many years.  The years, days, and hours of weighing disappointment eroded Abram and Sarai’s focus and faith on God’s providence.  Rather than continue to trust that God would bring them a child, Sarai encouraged Abram to be with her servant, Hagar, in hopes that she, Sarai, might be able to receive a child through Hagar.

As the story goes, Hagar became pregnant with Abram’s child.  Rather than celebrate, Hagar “became despised in her eyes.”  Sarai resented Hagar for the very act that she had encouraged.  She suggested the union between Abram and Hagar and then turned against the result.

How can we apply this story to our lives?  I think we all can think of an example or two in our lives when God’s timing did not line up with our timing.  We wanted something so bad that we were willing to “go our own way,” maybe it was cheating, stealing, or just sinning against God to get something we desperately wanted. Rather than pray, trust, and be patient, we allowed our own worldly desires to supersede our faith in God’s providence to provide us what we believe we need, at the time we need it.

We learn later in chapter 17 that God came to Abram and Sarai and informed them they would bear a child.  He changed their names to Abraham and Sarah.  The significance of this action for God was that Abraham was a hundred years old, while Sarah was ninety.  Both understood the obvious that they were past child-bearing years, but God still provided them a son, Isaac.

Onto Mark 6 in the New Testament, where we learn more about Jesus’ ministry on earth.  Jesus was in His hometown, Nazareth, where we healed the sick, preached the good news of salvation, and fed over 5000 men (likely thousands more with women and children included) after He finished preaching the Gospel to them.  Even after thousands witnessed the goodness and miraculous deeds of Jesus, they still doubted Him.

No matter how much Jesus did, doubters and non-believers were still present.  Since Jesus and His family were known to many in Nazareth, many of the people could not get past their own skepticism that Jesus was the Savior of man.  How could this boy of a carpenter possibly know all these things about God and how could their neighbor be their Savior?

The common theme of these readings is we must humble ourselves to trust God. Suffering is a part of our lives, and we must have the humility to welcome His presence in our lives. God did not ever promise happiness in the Bible, but He points to His everlasting presence in our lives and the peace and understanding that comes from a relationship with Him.  Whatever you are going through, no matter how traumatic, profound, or debilitating, God will see you through it.  Like His gift of Jesus, God is showing us signs and indications of His presence every day.  The question is whether our hearts, minds, and eyes are open enough to see Him.

Today’s Readings Job 28-30; Revelation 18

In my post today, I’m taking a deeper dive on Job 28, which is packed full of wisdom and depth.

Quest for Wisdom: Job begins by describing the human quest for precious resources like silver, gold, and precious stones, which people mine from the earth. However, he argues that the search for wisdom is even more challenging and elusive.

Incomparable Value of Wisdom: Job emphasizes that wisdom cannot be bought or mined like material wealth. It is more valuable than any material possession. Wisdom, in his view, is something that transcends the physical world.

God’s Role as the Source of Wisdom: Job attributes true wisdom to God alone. He describes a profound understanding that belongs to God and cannot be grasped by human efforts. This aligns with the broader theme in the Book of Job, where Job grapples with the mysteries of God’s ways and the limitations of human understanding.

Fear of the Lord as Wisdom: The chapter concludes by stating that the fear of the Lord is true wisdom. This aligns with a recurring theme in the Bible, particularly in the wisdom literature, where fearing God is presented as the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10).

Overall, Job 28 serves as a reflection on the nature of wisdom, highlighting its supreme value, its connection to God, and the limitations of human understanding. It contributes to the broader theological discussions present in the Book of Job about the nature of suffering, justice, and the wisdom of God’s providence.

In Chapter 29, Job recounts the former days of prosperity and honor, expressing the contrast with his current state of affliction. He longs for the days when he was respected and admired by others.

Chapter 30 marks a shift in Job’s tone as he describes his current distress and the mockery he faces from both the young and the lowly. Job expresses deep sorrow, feeling abandoned by God and society. He describes his physical suffering and the emotional anguish he experiences.  Do you ever feel that way?

In summary, these chapters delve into Job’s reflections on wisdom, his reminiscence of past glory, and his current anguish and despair as he grapples with the profound challenges and questions surrounding his suffering.

The parallels between these chapters in Job and Revelations 18 are interesting. The book of Job is thought to have written between 1000-2000 BC and Revelations written around 95 AD. In other words, these books were written around 2000 years apart.

Riches and Material Wealth: The chapters in Job and Revelations 18 touch on the theme of wealth and material possessions. Job 28 reflects on the value of earthly treasures like silver and gold, contrasting them with the incomparable value of wisdom. Revelation 18, on the other hand, describes the fall of Babylon, a symbol of human worldly wealth and extravagance.

Temporal vs. Eternal Values: Job 28 emphasizes the limitations of material wealth and the transcendent value of wisdom, which is associated with the fear of the Lord. Revelation 18 portrays the downfall of a city built on materialism and luxury, highlighting the fleeting nature of worldly prosperity compared to eternal values.

Judgment and Divine Intervention: Job 28-30 and Revelations 18 touch on the theme of divine judgment. In Revelation 18, Babylon faces judgment for its sins and excesses. In Job 28, there is an acknowledgment of God’s role as the source of wisdom and understanding. While the context and details differ, there is a shared recognition of God’s sovereignty and justice.

While these chapters were written literally thousands of years apart, the broader themes of the transient nature of worldly wealth, the importance of spiritual values, and the inevitability of divine judgment can be identified in Job 28-30 and Revelation 18.

Nehemiah, the central figure in the book, served as the cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes I. The events described in the book take place during Nehemiah’s leadership in the reconstruction of Jerusalem’s walls, which occurred in the period following the Babylonian exile of the Jews. Most scholars date Nehemiah’s governorship and the events in the book to the 5th century BC, possibly around 445-433 BC. Nehemiah’s efforts to rebuild the walls and his reforms are significant aspects of these passages.

Nehemiah Chapter 10: Covenant Renewal: In this chapter, the people of Israel, led by their leaders, make a solemn covenant with God. They commit to follow the Law of Moses, including provisions related to marriage, Sabbath observance, and financial support for the temple. The law for the Jews was put in place by God to expose their need for a Savior. The people promise not to neglect the house of God and agree to contribute a portion of their resources to sustain the temple and its services.

Nehemiah Chapter 11: Inhabitants of Jerusalem: To repopulate Jerusalem, “lots are cast,” and one out of every ten people agree to move to the city. The chapter lists the names of those who willingly settled in Jerusalem, along with the leaders and officials of the city.

Nehemiah Chapter 12: Dedication of the Wall: This chapter details the dedication of the rebuilt walls of Jerusalem. The priests and Levites are organized into two choirs, which walk on the top of the walls in opposite directions until they meet at the temple. A great celebration ensues, accompanied by the singing of praises and the sounding of musical instruments.

Nehemiah Chapter 13: Reforms and Challenges: Nehemiah returns to Babylon for a period, and during his absence, some of the reforms instituted earlier begin to unravel. When Nehemiah comes back, he finds that Tobiah, an Ammonite official, has been given a room in the temple, and the Levites and singers have not been receiving their portions. Nehemiah cleanses the temple, reinstates proper Sabbath observance, and deals with those who have intermarried with foreigners. The book concludes with Nehemiah’s prayer for God’s remembrance of his faithfulness.

Overall, these chapters in the Book of Nehemiah highlight the commitment of the Jewish people to God’s covenant, the repopulation of Jerusalem, the dedication of the rebuilt walls, and Nehemiah’s efforts to address issues and maintain the reforms he had initiated.  God prophecy for a Jewish state (country) of Israel go back to the 5^th century BC.

As we watch the present-day war and battle for Israel, we are reminded that the Jewish people have possessed the land in this region and have operated as their own country/state by the prophecy of God.  Many detractors of Israel weighing in on the present-day conflict of Hamas attacking Israel, advocate for the Palestian’s to have their own land and “state,” but it has never existed.  “Palestine” has never been a nation or country.  The term “Palestine” has ancient origins and is associated with the Philistines, an ancient people who lived in the region. The Philistines are mentioned in the Bible and were one of the tribes who settled along the eastern Mediterranean coast.

The conflict happening today is as “old as time,” and will not end until Christ comes again.  The atrocities and horrific sadistic crimes committed by Hamas are the works of Satan and will not be resolved by man.  God has a plan, and He will ultimately reveal His purpose.  Until then, we pray for hope and peace.  More importantly, we pray for the Jews and our world to understand that Jesus Christ is their Savior and He will bring rest and peace to those that believe is His glory.

Today’s Readings: Zechariah 9-11; 1 John 5

1 John chapter 5 contains amazing principles that can be applied to the challenges and dynamics of the world today.

1. Faith in a Secular World:

In a world that often prioritizes secular values, maintaining faith in Jesus Christ can be a counter-cultural and transformative stance. Christians can draw strength from their faith while engaging with the broader society.  We should not succumb to the pressures of this world.

2. Love in a Divided World:

The call to love one another is especially relevant in a world marked by divisions, conflicts, and diverse ideologies. Christians can model genuine love, compassion, and understanding, contributing to reconciliation and unity.  Love also means telling someone something they may not want to hear.

3. Overcoming Worldly Pressures:

Our world is filled with pressures related to success, materialism, and societal expectations. The concept of overcoming the world in 1 John 5 encourages believers to prioritize spiritual values over transient worldly pursuits.

4. Prayer in a Busy World:

In a fast-paced and busy world, the emphasis on prayer in 1 John 5 highlights the importance of maintaining a connection with God. Christians can find peace, guidance, and strength through consistent and intentional prayer.

5. Confidence in Uncertain Times:

The confidence in approaching God with assurance in 1 John 5 is particularly relevant in times of uncertainty. Believers can find reassurance and stability in their relationship with God even when facing challenges, crises, or unknown futures. Our world is a mess, but God is in control.

6. Eternal Perspective Amid Materialism:

In a world often driven by materialism and the pursuit of earthly success, maintaining an eternal perspective can shape priorities and attitudes. We can navigate the challenges of materialism by focusing on our spiritual values.

7. Community and Encouragement:

The encouragement to love and support fellow believers is essential in building strong Christian communities. In a world marked by focus on oneself and isolation, Christians can create supportive communities that reflect the love of Christ.  Find a great Bible-based church where you can connect!

The “noise” in our daily life can be deafening.   We may not be able to clearly see the right path to follow due to the overwhelming messages we received daily from the news, social media, family, co-workers, etc.

What we can count on is the steadfast love and truth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  The certainty we are looking for is eternal life in Heaven, not seeking happiness and fulfillment on earth.  I pray that the Word of the Lord gives you peace and comfort in a “noisy” world.

Today’s Readings: Ezekiel 46-48; John 16

Ezekiel 48 is the final chapter of the Book of Ezekiel in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). It describes the division of the land among the twelve tribes of Israel in a vision that Ezekiel receives. The chapter outlines the boundaries and allocations of land for each tribe. The main message of Ezekiel 48 can be understood in several key points: 

1. 1. Equitable Distribution: The division of the land is carried out in a fair and just manner, ensuring that each tribe receives an appropriate portion according to their inheritance.
   2. God’s Promise Fulfilled: This vision of the land being allocated to the tribes reinforces the idea that God is faithful to His promises. The return of the Israelites to their land and the allocation of territory is a testament to God’s faithfulness.
   3. Unity and Restoration: This division of land represents a return to a state of unity and prosperity for the nation of Israel. It is a symbol of restoration after a period of exile and hardship.
   4. Divine Sovereignty: The fact that this division of land comes through a vision to the prophet Ezekiel underscores the idea that God is in control and orchestrating the destiny of His people.
   5. Spiritual Significance: Some interpreters also see a deeper, spiritual meaning in the allocation of land. It may symbolize the ultimate inheritance and blessing that God’s people will receive in the eschatological (end times) kingdom.

In John 16, Jesus is speaking to His disciples, and He covers several important topics:

1. 1. The Promise of the Holy Spirit: Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit to His disciples after His departure. The Holy Spirit will guide, comfort, and empower them. This promise is significant because it marks the beginning of the era of the Holy Spirit’s indwelling presence in believers.
   2. Suffering and Persecution: Jesus tells His disciples that they will face persecution and suffering for their faith. He encourages them to remain steadfast and assures them that the Holy Spirit will help them in times of trouble.
   3. Jesus’ Departure and Return: Jesus speaks about His impending departure from the world, referring to His crucifixion and ascension into heaven. He tells the disciples that they will grieve for a time, but their sorrow will turn into joy when they see Him again.
   4. Prayer in Jesus’ Name: Jesus emphasizes the importance of praying in His name. He assures the disciples that whatever they ask the Father in His name will be granted, further strengthening their faith and encouraging them to seek God in prayer.
   5. The Disciples’ Future Testimony: Jesus instructs His disciples about their future role as witnesses for Him. They will testify about Jesus to the world, sharing his teachings and the message of salvation.
   6. The Victory of Christ: Jesus declares that He has overcome the world, and He encourages His disciples to have faith in Him, despite the challenges they will face.

In summary, John 16 is a chapter in the Gospel of John where Jesus provides important teachings to His disciples, emphasizing the promise of the Holy Spirit, the inevitability of suffering, the power of prayer in His name, the disciples’ role as witnesses, and the ultimate victory of Christ over the world. It is a chapter that conveys important messages about faith, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the disciples’ mission in spreading the gospel.

Today’s Reading:  Ezekiel 16-18 and John 6

The sixth chapter of the Gospel of John in the New Testament of the Bible contains several important messages. One of the central themes is the concept of Jesus as the “Bread of Life.”

This chapter recounts the story of Jesus miraculously feeding a large crowd, some scholars think over 15,000 which included men, women, and children, with five loaves of bread and two fish. Afterward, Jesus teaches that he is the true sustenance for spiritual life, emphasizing the importance of faith in him for eternal life.

Here are some key messages from John 6:

The Bread of Life: Jesus uses the feeding of the crowd as a metaphor to teach that he is the true nourishment for the soul. Just as physical bread sustains physical life, Jesus provides spiritual sustenance for eternal life.

Faith in Jesus: Jesus emphasizes the necessity of believing in him for eternal life. He says, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” (John 6:35, NIV).

Eternal Life through Jesus: Jesus promises that those who believe in him will have eternal life. He says, “For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day” (John 6:40, NIV).

The Role of the Father: Jesus emphasizes that his mission and purpose are in alignment with the will of the Father. He states that he has been sent by the Father to accomplish specific tasks.

The Resurrection and the Last Day: Jesus speaks of the future resurrection of believers, assuring them that they will be raised up on the last day.

The Importance of Spiritual Understanding: Jesus challenges his followers to seek spiritual understanding beyond physical signs and miracles. He encourages them to focus on the deeper spiritual truths he is teaching.

Division and Rejection: The chapter also highlights how some of Jesus’ followers struggled with his teachings, leading to division and, for some, a decision to stop following him.

Overall, John 6 emphasizes the significance of faith in Jesus as the means to obtain eternal life and underscores the idea that Jesus provides spiritual nourishment and fulfillment in a way that nothing else can. This chapter also foreshadows Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice, which would become the ultimate demonstration of his role as the Bread of Life.

This is a key chapter where Jesus started to see many of His followers doubt Him.  They could not reconcile Jesus’ reference to “the flesh as food” and “blood as drink.”  The extended crowds and disciples that chose to follow Him, due to the many miracles and acts Jesus had performed, left Jesus.  They heard Jesus’ message in the literal sense rather than as a parable.

Jesus very clearly started to see at that point, it was the beginning of strife and ultimately the divisiveness amongst the Jewish people that would ultimately cost Him his life.

Today’s Readings: Lamentations, Psalm 137, 1 Peter 4

Over the weekend, we observed the horrific acts of the terrorist organization Hamas, with their attack on Israel.  The “war” between the Muslims and the Jewish people is a battle since the beginning of time.  This is a religious war that knows no boundaries and likely will never be settled while man is still in control of earth.

Ironically, one of our readings for today describes the historical account of the fall of Jerusalem. The Jewish people have endured grave suffering throughout the history of time.  One our readings today, Lamentations, is an emotional scripture written by Jeremiah that described the “funeral of a city,” when Jerusalem was overtaken by the Babylonians.

Even in the deepest days of despair, Jeremiah exclaimed in Lamentations 3:21-26; 21 “Therefore I have hope. 22 Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed because His compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. 24 The Lord is my portion, says my soul. Therefore I hope in Him!” 25 The Lord is good to those who wait for him, To the soul who seeks Him. 26 It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”

As we look to live peaceful, happy, and fulfilled lives, we are reminded each day that our desire is only possible to a certain extent.  1 Peter 4:12 says “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you.”

How about that?  Scripture tells us we will not be spared from tough times.  The prophet Peter tells us to expect trials and challenges and not be surprised.  We should expect it.

In fact, Peter tells us in verse 13, “but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.”

Peter is telling us to stand by our belief in Christ.  The challenges and sin of the world will test our faith, question our resolve to follow Christ, and ultimately pressure us to turn away from our Savior.  Pain and suffering can break us.  Despair and sadness can deject us to the point where we “lose our way.” Our worldly minds cause us to question the need or the reason for the suffering and sadness and “lay our sorrows at the feet of Christ” and question why He is allowing us to suffer, and ultimately questions whether our God exists.

We can live our lives in fear every day, that tragedy or calamities await us.  War, pandemics, violent crime, health issues, death…and the list goes on. We can spin ourselves into a life of despair and doubt, constantly worrying about the next bad thing that may happen in our life.

My profound belief that if we are right with God, we will not be afraid.  Our resolve and tenacity to persevere through the worst of times solely depends on our ability to focus on the faith we have in Jesus, that He has a plan, and all our suffering and trails will be revealed when we get to Heaven.   Fear not, God has got you!

Today’s Reading:  Jeremiah 11-13; 2 Corinthians 12

They live in biggest house you have ever seen.  They take lavish vacations to the most beautiful and luxurious locations.  They have a garage full of expensive and exotic cars.  They have the most beautiful “model-like” spouse that has the perfect physique, looks, or appearance.   They live a life of materiality and wealth that everyone wants.  They “have it all.”

But perhaps the individuals that have these things are not “nice people.”  Perhaps they have taken profits when they should have been more generous.  Perhaps they have taken advantage and “run over” people to acquire the power and wealth they achieved for themselves.  Perhaps they have ruined the lives of their employees, teammates, competitors, or maybe even their own family to achieve the wealth they have.

How is it fair that sometimes the most ruthless and selfish people prosper?  Why does God allow this?

Jeremiah 12: 1-3 states, “Righteous are You, O Lord, when I plead with you; Yet let me talk with You about Your judgments. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why are those happy who deal so treacherously? 2 You have planted them, yes, they have taken root; They grow, yes, they bear fruit. You are near in their mouth, But far from their mind. 3 But You, O Lord, know me; You have seen me, and You have tested my heart toward You. Pull them out like sheep for the slaughter, And prepare them for the day of slaughter.”

It can be difficult for us to see prosperity happen to who we perceive to be “bad people.”  Maybe you are jealous because you work hard to do the right things. You live a Christ-centered, faith-filled life to set an example for your children, family, and friends.  Yet, you still cannot “get ahead.”  Perhaps you are unemployed, deal with financial challenges, drive a “beat up” car that won’t start, and work at a job you hate.   What is the reward for living your life following Jesus if you don’t experience “prosperity” or a “life of luxury?”

In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul tells the people of Corinth that the “thorn in the flesh” was given to him. Paul was referring to the obstacles, challenges, and burden he carried, even though he was a prophet for Christ.  He sacrificed most of the years of his life, and ultimately gave his life for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Paul said in verse 8, “Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.” Verse 9, “And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power for Christ may rest upon me. “ 10 Therefore I take pleasure in the infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in the persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak then I am strong.”

Scripture tells us God sees us.  He knows our sacrifices.  He feels our afflictions.  He is there with us every step of the way.  God encourages us to understand “we are our strongest when we are at what appears to us be our weakest.”  Let us not seek to be judged in this world but the “next world” in Heaven,” which will be our just reward.  Keep the faith that a life following Christ is the right path.

Today’s Reading Isaiah 64-66; 2 Corinthians 2

God’s plans do not typically line up with our plans. The timing of God’s influence or intervention does not always align with our needs, wants, or desires.

Isaiah in verse 64 asks God 1 Oh that you would rend the heavens! That you would come down! That the mountain might shake at your presence – 2 As fire burns brushwood, As fire causes water to boil – To make Your name known to Your adversaries, That the nations may tremble at Your presence!

We see sin, sadness, tragedy, and calamities in our world.  Watching the news each day reminds us of that our world is broken.

For many, witnessing sin and evil causes them to question whether there is a God.   If there is a God, why would He let bad things happen to us?  How can God be a loving God to let so many awful things happen? Why do tragic accidents happen?  Why do children get sick, and sometimes die?  Why are innocent people hurt and even murdered?

We must go back to the beginning of the Bible to understand the very basic but profound way God created us and the earth. In Genesis 1:26-28, God delegated the power and authority to govern over all things to man. Fast forward to Genesis 3, we learned of Adam and Eve’s sin against God and they “suddenly felt shame.”  In that moment in time, humankind rebelled against God’s wishes for us.  God created us to be sinless and perfect, but Adam and Eve changed that with the decision to eat the forbidden fruit.

In that moment of the first sin, God established a relationship with man that was sovereign, meaning He will allow us to make our own choices and not force His will on us.  God is not a micromanager.

So perhaps we want God to intervene.  Perhaps we pray to God to make a wish happen.  Heal a sick relative. Solve a difficult problem in a relationship.  Or fix something that seems irrevocably broken.  Please God, bring about retribution and pain to the people that have done wrong to me!

As much as we want to understand how God thinks and works, He has been consistent and true since creation.  He has allowed us to make our own choices and never promised a sinless world.  Man created the sin, not God.

God is there for us. He will answer our prayers, in His time, not ours.   Refer to Psalm 86:7, Isaiah 58:9, or Jeremiah 33:3.  God’s timing, not ours.