tonight, I heard a gentle answer. The one I’d been waiting for all week.
It is no secret that I have been searching for the answer to this question: Why does God allow tragedy to happen to some, and not to others? More specifically, why is it that I and my precious family were spared harm during the terrible storms last week, but others are suffering?
All I wanted was to catch a glimpse of understanding…
We had been away from home most of the day Sunday and decided to go to McAllister’s Deli for dinner. Michael and I had decided the last time we ate there that whatever we did, we would be sure that all three children would have their teddy grahams when we left. Cinnamon teddy grahams come with each kids’ meal; on our last visit there we made the mistake of leaving without someone’s treat. It was a terrible mistake. Suddenly everyone was at odds and it was unfair… two had their packages of cookies. one did not.
As parents we try so hard to keep things fair for our children. But, it is humanly impossible. Every once in a while someone goes without…
Tonight as we left the restaurant, I made sure that I had all three little red packages of goodies in my bag. And because everyone was waiting for their treats, I opened them and let them munch on them on the way home… as I opened them I heard my answer…
“You see, Melody, I am fair to my children. I love each one equally…”
“But, how can that be? It doesn’t seem that way, as I drive around town and see all of this devastation…”
“I gave my love, when I gave my son so long ago; its available equally to each one who chooses to believe on Me and receive it.”
And in the moments following, I began to realize something important. He promised that the rain would fall on the just and the unjust. We would have pain and tragedy. But, the love and hope that He offers, does not come from the earthly circumstances that I tend to focus on, in fact it has nothing to do with it. Rather, real hope is a result of understanding the eternal life that He has promised.
With all of that in mind, I wonder…
Can I experience His peace without the turmoil? Is it possible to know His healing without being ill? Is there a knowledge of His hope, without first knowing despair? The lightness of a forgiven heart without first feeling the heaviness of needing to repent?
Scripture clearly says that He does not will that any would parish. I have to believe that He can use everything that happens in this life to bring this world closer to His theme of redemption: He desires for each one to be drawn to Him, believe on Him, receive His forgiveness and prepare to be with Him in Heaven someday. It is a gracious gift He offers to everyone. Because He loves us. all. equally.
So, why Ringold, Georgia and not Hixson, Tennessee this time? I’m sure I don’t really understand it all. He didn’t say I would until I reach eternity. Then I’ll get it. For now I am grateful for this love I’ve come to know; it is the love of the Heavenly Father. And if there is one thing I am sure of, it is this; no on needs to go without…
daily portion 