When I don't Understand

How do we make sense out of the disturbing things we read and hear about in our daily news? How can we encourage someone who has suffered great loss and heartache that God is still in control and he is a good God?

I was recently having a discussion about some disturbing current events with a few people. The question was, "why does God let bad things happen to innocent children?" I have heard this same question in different variations over the years, but I think the answer is the same for each variation.

When we start to question the very foundation of what we know to be true of God, we become an easy target for the enemy. Think with me about Adam and Eve. They were accustomed to 'walking with God in the garden with the cool evening breezes' (Genesis 3:8).

I often imagine what this would have been like. Adam and Eve living in perfect harmony, with perfect weather, never hungry, enjoying a personal, intimate relationship with God, their creator and friend. All of this was ruined by one, doubt strategically placed by Satan. "Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?" (Genesis 3:1) Satan threw out casually some half-truths about what God had said and sadly, as Eve lingered with Satan and had a conversation with him, she became confused and unsure of God. How often does that happen with us as well.

I have found over the years some titles that tell me about God's character. He is the Everlasting Father (Isaiah 9:6), Friend (John 15:15), Redeemer (Psalm 19:14), Guide (Isaiah 30:21), Judge (James 4:12), Creator (Colossians 1:16), Deliverer (2 Corinthians 1:10), Shepherd (Isaiah 40:11), Gardener (John 15:2), Leader (Psalm 119:105) and Sustainer (Job 33:4). When I remind myself of His titles, I am reminded of his care for me. A true Shepherd that is not afraid of the enemy and never gives up on me no matter how often I have wandered from his care and protection. He is a good Gardner, careful to prune his plants so that they will bloom, thrive, produce well for him and be healthy. Redeemer, a word we seldom use today, but my personal favorite. As a Redeemer, God bought back those who already belonged to him but had indentured themselves to another through poor choices. It shows God's love, care and desire to have us with him.

When I spend time reflecting on God's character, rather than fertilizing the seeds of doubt that the enemy plants, I can confidently say that I don't understand why things happen the way they do, but "I know the One in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return." (2 Timothy 1:12)