When in SAY (Salvation Army Youth/Bible Class type thing) today we were discussing a little bit about what happened in Virginia and Dr Phil asked the question 'Where was God in this and other similar situations?' Now this is a very hard question for theologians and experienced scholars to answer let alone a group of 13-20 somethings. Anyway the girls in my group were a bit stumped. I was then reminded of the devotions that were given in songster practice on Tuesday, apologies to anybody who was there. The person who was leading them gave an explanation from a book written by Billy Graham's daughter. In it she was asked on American TV where was God in 9/11 and although we were talking about Virginia it is still relevant.
Her response was (not word for word), for years we have been asking God to get out of our schools, out of our governement and politics, out of society and out of our nation, and God being the gentleman that He is has listened and respected our plea.
My answer then to the girls in my group was this, God never stops watching us, loving us, and listening to us, so if we ask Him to leave, because of our free will He will. So in the bad times God is there, ever present but until people ask Him to interfere He will continue to wait.
Just something to think about.
8 comments:
I think that is going to be our 'book club' book for the next meeting. You should come along, it will most likely be when you are back again. Lets see, its April now so it will be sometime in June. Its really good! And you get lots of nice cakes and things! It may even be in my new flat if I can do something about geting some spare seating!
Cakes eh?? I'll be there!!
Claire - agreed, I found the reading on Tuesday night very thought provoking - would like to read the book for myself!
You can come too then Graeme! I will let you both know the date, (as soon as I know!)
What about the people who beg God to get involved and it appears that He doesn't. How come He appears to answer the prayers of those who don't want Him involved and apparently ignores the prayers of those of us who do?
We've been here before, so I'm not expecting an answer to this, just balancing the debate!
Yes - a good question Liz!
someone once said to me "that you have to really really with all your heart want god involved. You may think you do but deep down your not willing to let go of your situation."
i for one know how hard that is and how anoying that "answer" is because you do sooo badley want him to come close but he can see that it's not right YET!!
sorry
Oh you're getting GOOD at this stuff Sarah!
Do you think there's something in learning to recognise his voice and presence in our lives. We live in such a noisy world it's hardly surprising we fail to hear the still small voice sometimes.
Just a thought
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