September 28th
Why Not?
In my filing system I a folder labeled "famous" letters received. In the folder is one from Corrie ten Boom. Actually it is addressed and written to my daughter Robyn, now Mrs. Robyn Kinney.
If you have seen the movie THE HIDING PLACE, you may recall this scene. It is set in the Ravensbruck concention camp in Germany. Corrie ten Boom and her sister, Betsy are there along with ten thousand other women. The condition is horrible...degrading, lice-ridden, hungry and they are cold.
During one Bible study time a lady begins to mock their worship. She states, if your God is such a good God, why does he allow this kind of suffering? She tears off the bandages from her hand and displays broken fingers and says, "I'm first violinist of the symphony orchestra. Did your God will this?"
There is silence, no one answering, then Corrie ten Boom steps up and says, "We can't answer that question. All we know is that our God came to this earth, and become one of us and he suffered with us and was crucified and died. And that he did it for LOVE."
Well, the question is a frequently stated one (or at least thought in one's mind) - why - - why. In fact, my friend, you might be actually asking that same question right now. Actually, there is nothing wrong with the sentiment IF ONE TAKES IT A STEP FARTHER. I like to add, "WHY---NOT!" Once an individual establishes that God IS IN control - one can look at situations from a different perspective.
It does not take away the pain or the heartache or the pressure, but it does make such more bearable. In it all, and through it all I have learned to trust in Jesus AND HIS LOVE FOR ME. This is where faith and trust comes in!! I can only add the words of Paul in 2 Cor. 12:9 to Corrie ten Boom:
"But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'"May I pray for you?
Lord, I know that this one must have questions about many things....it is natural. But I ask, in the name of Jesus that they exercise their faith in you - and even...stretch it...like a rubber band. Thank you for your concern, love and presence with this one.
Amen