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MONDAY THOUGHT 8/25/08

August 25, 2008 on 11:54 am | By John Ingrisano | In Faith & Forgiveness, Motivational Thoughts | No Comments

Cursing God

I personally know people so afflicted with physical pain and suffering that they have every reason to curse God.  There’s one whose joints are so locked up with  arthritis that every step causes searing pain; several (this seems to be the season for it) fighting for their lives against a cancer that is devouring their bodies like Pac Man gone mad; and one beautiful woman diagnosed with early stages of dementia (and who struggled to find that very word — dementia — as she shared that frightening news with several of us the other night). 
 
Curse God?  You’d think so, but you’d be wrong.  The devil — who boasted that Job and all those severely afflicted would do so — was wrong, too.  Oh, I’ve heard them lament and complain a bit … actually a lot.  Yes, I know they are hurting and afraid.  These aren’t saints, but they’re also not stupid, naive men and women.  No, they are  everyday and yet faith-filled (faithful?) people, who not only believe in God but who trust in Him.  And I think — correction, I know — that is the difference.  They thank God and trust in Him.  Wow!  Talk about faith! 
 
My point?  It seems so obvious, but I have a hard time expressing it.  All I know for sure is that these wonderful people inspire me and give me strength … and, yes, cause me to bite my tongue and complain less about my garden variety problems.  I guess, if they can find joy and faith amid such dire circumstances, so can we all.  Also, as people of faith, we should be grateful for all our blessings, even those we do not understand.  If we trust God, we need to truly trust Him, twenty-four-seven, and seek joy in the hand as dealt, in the day as given.  God bless. — jri
 
“A man will give all he has for his own
life.  But stretch out your hand and
strike his flesh and bones, and he will
surely curse you to your face.”
        –    Satan (talking to God about Job)
               (Job 2:4)