I have been thinking more about my post On Abundance - or rather, on poverty. I wasn't really happy with it. I am posting late in the evening just now and I guess I ran out steam at the end. I wanted to say more, but the words evaded me. Then this morning I noticed a comment in the spam folder. I go there every couple of weeks and quickly scroll through the usual suspects before deleting them, but I noticed one pertaining to my post. It was a courteous enough comment, although seemed to be full of anger. I don't know who posted it as it was left anonymously, but it questioned the existence of a God who would allow evil and suffering in His creation. Is God omnipotent?
I have been thinking about this on and off throughout the day. It is one of these arguments that has been around for centuries. I am on my own personal journey here and do not have the theological knowledge to answer the problem of evil in the world. What I do know, is, that evil and hardship exist. But if there is no God, does that mean evil and hardship is ok? Is poverty more acceptable, then, in a secular world? I don't know - I imagine without God and knowledge of the concepts of good and evil, then the world would be an even more horrendous place - if such a place existed.
I think of times where bad things have happened to me and yet I have come through them and even found myself better off in some way I did not expect. I look back over my life and see all those twists and turns in the road that have led me to where I am right now "God moves in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform", goes the hymn, and he does indeed. I think of the story of Joseph, who suffered from many evil deeds, and yet, all these events in his life resulted in him being in a position of power and able to help others. And, of course, there are many important consequences to that story!
This Advent journey is for me to reflect on the thoughts and challenges I pick up on the way. I certainly don't have all the answers - or even some of them. I only know what God means to me. He came into the world in the person of Jesus, experiencing all of our human condition, was put to death by evil men, and yet rose from the tomb to walk among us. He is our Hope, and he loves us, despite everything. Have faith - all is well.
This Advent journey is for me to reflect on the thoughts and challenges I pick up on the way. I certainly don't have all the answers - or even some of them. I only know what God means to me. He came into the world in the person of Jesus, experiencing all of our human condition, was put to death by evil men, and yet rose from the tomb to walk among us. He is our Hope, and he loves us, despite everything. Have faith - all is well.
I have sat quietly, a continent away, with my cup of tea, reading, reflecting and appreciating your courage and vulnerability on your Advent journey. With gratitude for the privilege to share this time and space with you, and for your open door and heart.
ReplyDeleteIt's so difficult when people want explanations to things we can't explain. There are so many things we won't get the answer to until we meet Him face to face. Like you I've had some horrible stuff to go through in this life, but have emerged a better woman, or with a new understanding how to reach out and help others going through similar things. I know God knows what He's doing, even when I can't understand it or explain it myself. Very hard at times, but I keep trusting Him and the peace returns. Thanks again for your honest thoughts. Big hugs, Tina xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you for your thoughts- they are very encouraging.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Lynn
Your reflections are beautifully expressed. Please do continue to express your thoughts. Your way of sharing is quite inspiring. I recognize much of what I think I have learned in my increasingly long life.
ReplyDeletexo
It takes a lot of courage to bare your soul to the world. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI have loved reading your advent posts but don't know what to write myself. They have been interesting and inspirational so thank you. xx
ReplyDeleteYou're a courageous one, tackling that question! Though I'm not the conventionally religious type, I do feel strongly about Jesus' message that we can work miracles and that we can put the welfare of our fellow beings first before all else. Moving in that direction, we will see much less suffering in the world.
ReplyDeleteHi
ReplyDeletePlease realize that "God" is an energy that all of us either choose to follow through goodness and positivity. Or choose not to follow through negativity and all that goes along with that. Therefore when bad things happen "God" is helpless to change anything unless we change how we think and what we do. God is in all of us and through us is the only way that we can live a life of heaven or hell. It is our choice. Thanks for a great blog.
Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteOh my - these are such beautiful comments. Thank you all so very much xxx
ReplyDeleteI do not know what I would do without my faith. That strand of belief walked me through losing my mother in my thirties, being diagnosed with RA and so many other bumps in the road. I've enjoyed your posts and your reflections.
ReplyDelete"What I do know, is, that evil and hardship exist. But if there is no God, does that mean evil and hardship is ok? Is poverty more acceptable, then, in a secular world? " You really hit the nail on the head with these words and they are so profound I come back to this one entry more than once to pause and consider. Thank you.
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