After the disaster in Haiti, us Christians are wondering how we should respond. And no, watching the Cowboys only score three points in a playoff game, no matter how awesome you think that might be, isn't one of those responses.
Obviously compassion and love is how you need to see people who are going through the Haiti tragedy. I don't really think you need me to tell you that.
But how do you see God in the Haiti tragedy? Suffering sucks. That's why it's called suffering. Why does God allow this?
First we have to understand that God didn't want the world to be like this. Sin is what caused suffering. Our sin.
God wants to save us from our sin and suffering.
We need to know that earthly comforts are not what God's ultimate goal is for humans. Having modern conveniences like running water, electricity, healthcare, Ford Escort GTs aren't the point.
Look at Christ's life on earth. God Himself came down in the form of a man, to be born in a stable, and placed in a feeding trough, raised as a carpenter with no running water, electricity, Ford Escort GTs, and eventually was tortured, suffered and killed.
The point isn't having it easy in life. It's to have a relationship with Him.
Despite all the sin and suffering in this world, God is so wise and sovereign that He can turn suffering into a better relationship with Him.
Ask yourself, after seeing the devastation, was compassion stirred up in your heart, did you consider looking beyond your life to helping others? Did it make you a little more thankful for things we take for granted like food, water and the high speed internets?
I'm sure seeing the tragedy in Haiti did something like that in your heart. So even though the events in Haiti didn't affect you personally, God is still poking at your heart, trying to wake you up. Trying to bring you closer to Him.
So ask yourself, what is God trying to do you in your heart through this tragedy?
Is He showing you that you have to be more thankful? Or maybe He is showing you that you need to actively minister to those in need? Or maybe He is showing that you need to be more compassionate. Even to the Dallas Cowboys.
JN 9:1 As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. [2] His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"
JN 9:3 "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. [4] As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. [5] While I am in the world, I am the light of the world."
Take time to pray: Ask God for wisdom to know how He is using suffering in your life and in the world to bring you closer to Him.
Today's Fruit of the Spirit: Love. Love for those who are suffering.
