Bad Things Happen

In a fallen world, sin is reality. Bad things happen. Earthquakes, war, cancer and car crashes… And we want to know why. We need a reason, an explanation, closure. Why 9/11? Why Japan? It just doesn’t seem right. Yet somehow in the midst of all the pain, the suffering, and the strife, God’s glory illuminates our darkest night. It’s then that our eyes focus and we can clearly see the light at the end of the tunnel; the radiant light of Jesus Christ. I have to wonder, how could the worst of things happen to the best of men? And yet, in the shame of the cross, salvation stands… “By his wounds we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:5

Why do bad things happen to good people? I wonder if maybe it's all in the glory of God. Or maybe it’s the bad that serves for the greater good… Maybe we’ll never fully understand, and maybe that’s okay. All I know is that God is good all the time. The rest is in perspective.

“This happened so that the work of God might be displayed…” - John 9:3

“And we know that in all things God works for the good…” – Romans 8:28

Blind

Nothing is going according to plan…
Israel is tired and irritable.
Moses is unsure and insecure.
The only thing working out is Pharaoh’s consistent and solid, “No” echoing throughout all of Egypt.

And it’s in this moment that Moses asks a simple question… “Why did you ever send me?” He can’t help but wonder, “Why me, God?” “Why here?” “Why like this?” “Why?” Moses might have been intimidated, he might not have been eloquent, and he may not have wanted to play the role… But he fit the part perfectly. Moses was taken away as a baby, but grew up as a Prince of Egypt. He killed a man and ran, but along the way found a family and learned to lead by tending a flock of sheep. His whole life God had been preparing him for this moment. God was bringing His chosen nation out of Egypt. He was taking another step towards the salvation of His people, and He was using Moses to do it… But Moses was blind. He couldn’t see who God had made him to be. The very thing Moses questioned the most, was the very thing he was created for… And still he couldn’t see.

But, maybe you don’t have to see. Maybe the unseen is what becomes the most clearly seen in the end. All I know is that God is at work in, through, and all around me… Maybe it’s just that I can’t see it.

Moriah Thomason (Aim, South Africa 09)