Unfortunately there are too many “IF”-s in our lives.
Scripture reading: John 11:1-44. Text: “Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.'” John 11:21.
If possible please read our Scripture reading so you will know the background of our text. In short, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus were siblings. Lazarus became ill and the sisters sent a message to Christ that their brother Lazarus was sick. Jesus waited a few days before he went to them, and by the time our Lord arrived, Lazarus was dead. Martha was unhappy about the delay and disappointedly told Jesus: “‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.'” See our text. Were these words disguised frustration, stifled embitterment, or polite accusation?
“GOD – IF YOU . . .”
One of the most often heard criticisms is: “IF God is God why does He permit so much injustice, suffering, killing, and natural disaster?” We say, God is OMNIPOTENT (He can do everything), God is OMNISCIENT (He knows everything), and God is OMNIBENEVOLENT (He loves everybody); yet sin, crime, hatred, brutality, and viciousness are rampant. We may think if God is really our heavenly Father should He put an end to all of these? This question has been dealt with by theologians, scientists, and wise people for a long time, but as far as I know, nobody offers an answer that satisfies everybody’s curiosity. Here we try to do our best to see only a few viewpoints. You may contradict or disagree with me, yet the situation remains the same.
LET BROADMINDEDNESS, LOGIC, FAITH, AND HUMBLENESS WORK TOGETHER FOR OUR UNDERSTANDING.
First what we should see is that God is SOVEREIGN. This means God is above being questioned, held responsible, criticized, or forced to act. The word SOVEREIGN means: “above or superior to all others; chief; greatest, supreme. Supreme in power, rank, or authority.” Webster’s Dictionary. If God could be influenced and/or controlled against His will, He would not be Almighty.
If we expect God “not to permit interfering” with human wrongdoings then the question is: where is the dividing line between divine control and human free-will? Should God stop wars between nations as well as family feuding among members? When would God’s forbidding will be justified? Would it be only in big issues or in less important situations also? Are some cases as simple as yes or no, right or wrong, white or black, and true or false? Please read Matthew 21:28-32 and Luke 12:13-21.
If two Christians ask for the same blessing at the same time, or two believers pray to God for requests opposing each other, whose wish should God grant? During a war on opposing sides, the military chaplains are praying for victory. On whose side should God be? Who is good enough that God will hear his or her prayer and grant the request?
If we expect God to “COOPERATE”-so to speak-with us, namely grant what we are asking Him to do, in the same manner, should not God expect us to keep His commandments? Should God become a charitable and helping institution, where the password would be: “In the case of need or emergency . . .”
How should God select and make decisions among requests? Should God grant only small favors? Should God listen only to good people, believers, church members, and/or saints? How quickly (that is immediately) should God act? Should God grant one’s wish that would be detrimental to another? Could or should God set up conditions in return for a granted request? Would “INDIRECT” help be acceptable?
The truth is between Jesus’ encouragement and Apostle Paul’s admonition: “‘Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you'” said our Lord, see Matthew 7:7; however, Apostle Paul teaches us how to implement our faith in our daily life: “There is great gain in godliness with contentment; for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world; but if we have food and clothing, with these we shall be content.” 1 Timothy 6:6-8.