where is God?

Today's readings: Daniel 2:24-3:30, 1 Peter 4:7-5:14, Psalm 119:81-96, Proverbs 28:15-16

Well, the message is clear today.

In both the OT and NT readings, we read about the flames that we go through. And many today are going through some flames, aren't they? People are suffering many different ways today, and even the strongest find themselves sometimes asking "Where is God in all this? Why doesn't He help me?"

The answer is... He gives us free will. We humans really do have the ability to choose good or evil. And when one person (like Nebuchadnezzar in the Daniel story) decides to hurt others, they wouldn't really have free will if God prevented them from doing that.

But.

Where is God? He is right there in the middle of the pain, with those who are suffering. Sometimes His presence mitigates that suffering - Shadrach Meshach and Abednego didn't even feel the flames. Sometimes we still feel that pain... but He feels it right along with us. He is HERE with you, in the middle of your suffering, right now. And He will bring you through it.

Thank You, God, for being here with us when we suffer.