Looking for a Rainbow
May/090
Earlier this week, I stepped out of my office to look for a rainbow. It was lightly raining and the sun was also shining. Perfect formula for a rainbow.
So I stepped out to see if I could find it. No luck. Instead of a rainbow, I just got rained on. And a loud clap of thunder convinced me to head back inside.
Have you ever gone looking for a rainbow, only to find more rain?
It happens to believers all the time. We believe that God is working for our good, but that belief can be stretched to the breaking point at different times in our lives.
It happens when it's all rain and no rainbow.
Instead of beauty, we only see misery.
Instead of relief, we only find more pain.
Why does this happen?
I have a Bible College degree, as evidenced by the diploma that I have displayed in my office. Not only am I a Bible College grad, but I'm a "professional Christian." I get paid to study and preach the Bible.
So, considering my extensive background and education, surely I can answer this question: why do bad things happen to good people?
Actually…no. I can't answer it. I've tried, but I've always come up empty.
Don't get me wrong…I can give you a theological dissertation as to why bad things happen to good people. But high-brow theology never provides comfort to someone who is in pain. So instead, I honestly admit that I don't know why bad things happen to good people.
Why are you seeking rainbows, only to find more rain? I don't know.
When will your pain subside? I don't know.
Why is this happening to you? I don't know.
All I know is this…God loves you. There is no question about that.
Maybe He'll reveal the purpose of your trial to you in this life. Maybe you'll have to wait until you're on the other side of eternity to fully understand it. But He loves you. And if you persevere, you'll be rewarded.
But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. (Job 23:10, NIV)
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