When you face suffering, you may have questions that seem as difficult to solve as a Rubik’s cube. Guess who has all the answers?

When you face suffering, you may have questions as difficult to solve as a Rubik’s cube: If God is good and in control, why does he allow pain? Theologians have looked at this question every which way. Among them: Randy Alcorn, author of one of my favorite books, If God Is Good: Faith in the Midst of Suffering and Evil.

Core to this book and similar ones–and most importantly the Bible–is this truth that begs belief: God is who he says he is. God loves, he protects, he is in control.

As laundry piles up and kids throw tantrums and you try to make a decent meal on pennies per person. . .as you pour a second glass of wine or watch a mindless TV show to turn off your mind. . .as you say hurtful words you with you could take back. . .do you believe God? That he is who he says he is? Do you? Do I?

An Amazing Story

Among my most prized stories of God’s protection stars a teddy bear hamster named Hammy. Original, huh? I am certain God used this furball to save my family from injury or death in a house fire.

You see, many years ago, while I wiped kitchen counters in the late evening, I heard an voice speak to my heart: “Check on the hamster.”

I thought, “What? I check on the hamster every morning not in the evening.” I continued wiping.

Then again, “Check on the hamster.” Questioning my sanity, I figured that the only way to squash the voice was to CHECK ON THE HAMSTER.

So I stepped the seven stairs to the lower level, and when I hit the bottom step, I smelled wire burning. No smoke. No flames. Just a burning smell. Not trusting my nose, I called to my husband. “Come here, Steve. Do you smell burning?”

He did. Woohoo. I was not insane.

Rather, God–the creator of the universe including Hammy–got my attention. According to the fire chief (yep, I did dial 911), the smoldering fire near the fuse box would have traveled up the walls, possibly that very night. The room above the smoldering wires belonged to my daughter Laura. She was 5 then; now 22.

By the way, hamster lovers, Hammy was fine.

So Is God Good and in Control?

I am fully convinced God protected my family and me. The Spirit got my attention. I listened after doubting. God persisted.

Today he persistently loves and protects you and is true to himself : He really is who he says he is.

Question: Got a sec? Please share a word that describes a truth God has shown you. Thank you. Your comment encourages others.

With Joy Overflowing!

 

 

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