Yes.
The problem is simple. We often don’t understand it, or can’t talk about it. Well, actually that begs a question: Can’t or Won’t?
What do you think when people ask why somebody young, or lively, or with many young children dies or is subject to dying? What do you say to those consumed with heartache? Can you pray and save someone who is dying?
John 14:14 – “If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.”
Well, that’s simple. Just pray and your will is done, yes?
Nope.
We forget the true purpose of living. We forget to ask ourselves, “does this glorify God?” and instead ask for things we deem necessary. The Lord will give you what you need, not what you want. I’ve written about this before. The problem is simple. He decides what you need, and not you. When we grasp that, which is darned tough, we’ll gradually let go of that portion of ‘control’ we seem to crave. Following that disconnect will be a supreme sense of comfort for you. It has certainly been that way for me. Knowing that God is dictating the needs and not me, gives me great solace.
I recently watched a 5 minute clip from the Apologetics Canada Conference back in 2013. Dr. John Patrick, one of my favorites, was the key note speaker. I was able to locate this portion of his address and post it below. It provides a great example. It deals with the impending death of a young person and the questions, dismay, and proper handling of such a delicate subject.
The book of John is really full of scripture that helps me with this. I prefer this one over many:
John 14:1-3 – “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.”
Circling back to a portion of the video, “It says in the bible, that if you ask anything in My name, I’ll give it to you. I’m 19, and I’m dying. I don’t want to. What do you say?” Wow. Can you imagine setting on the corner of a bed with a young man who is hours from mortality and being asked that? Get prepared. It just may happen to you in your lifetime. If it doesn’t, it will to somebody you know.
Do you understand the differences between your needs and His needs? Essentially, do you understand that God decides your needs, not you? Circling back to the video again, “God will only give you the answer to your prayers, if they are good as defined by Him, and not by you.” Once we grasp. Once we believe. Once we understand. …We’ll not only be in a better position of Christian Faith for ourselves, but we’ll be able to help others. I wished I’d held this absolutely vital morsel in this kind of light a year ago for Mira and her family. I did the best I could by them when possible and I came up woefully short. I can’t honor her and what she has meant to me by getting stuck on all that I didn’t know. Instead, I try not to lament about my lack of perception and focus on helping people in the future when I can. I then can pay homage to her.
We can do this for one another. Christian, or not, human beings need comfort and understanding. Be salt and light for them. And in order to do so, we all need plenty of salt and light ourselves. Do we not?
We need understanding, and Faith, and belief. …As do those around us. It is incumbent on you to first master it, and then share it.