The Creator & His Creation

“Tough Questions”

Part 3

How could a body builder expect to build muscle if they never dedicated time to eating properly and going to the gym? Sunday sermons aren’t enough to sustain spiritual growth. In order to build and sustain a healthy walk with Christ, it will require us to spend time with God and in His word. In the final part of this short series, “Tough Questions” we will be answering the difficult questions often posed to the believer. Lets look at three difficult questions that we as believers should be well acquainted with. Using part 1 and 2 of this study let’s see how God’s word answers three difficult questions of humanity.  Bible references: Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:2 The earth was without form and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters Genesis 1:3 Then God said, “Let there be light”, and there was light. In answering questions, sometimes it is best to make the question relatable to the person asking. Jesus exemplified this when He would speak in parables or when He would answer the disciple’s questions. He made spiritual truths relevant to His disciples and those following Him, by using relatable examples. Also, Christ was never unable to answer a tough question, in part because He was constantly in prayer with the Father. He is our perfect example for us to follow if we are to fulfill His purpose in our lives. It all begins with prayer, ask the Holy Spirit to lead you and guide you in your daily prayer before you do anything. He promised He would never leave you or forsake you. In every situation answer with kindness, love and compassion. We are all made in the image of God and we should respect each other accordingly. Question 1: -Why would a “Perfect God” allow imperfection in His creation? Here is an alternate question to pave the way for understanding; *Why would a “perfect parent” allow their child to make a mistake? God desires a relationship with us, not an 1800’s master/slave relationship, but a Father/son or Father/daughter relationship. If He never allowed us to fail we would never know we needed Him. The Father created us in His image, He desired that we be in a relationship with Him. When we lean on our own understanding or do things that fit our emotions in a certain moment in our lives we usually end up paying the consequences later on.  So God allows imperfection to reveal creation’s need for Him and the perfect intimacy only He can provide. Without His standard of perfection we are all simply ‘little hitlers’. Without the Holy Spirit we are only as good as a raging mongol on a killing spree in the thirteenth century. Did you know that 8 of the 10 most detrimental genocides have occurred in the last 110 years. Humans are not innately good, but we are given the choice to either surrender to God or to ourselves.  What will you choose?  Genesis 1:2a “The earth was without form and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep” Note: Even though God created the earth in perfection, it still lacked form, fullness, and light. It shows as a reminder to us that even though we are created in the image of God, without His form, fullness and light within our lives we are just empty shells. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Note: When we surrender to Him, put our faith and trust in who He is, then He will reveal Himself. He will overflow your soul with wisdom, love, peace, and the fruits of His goodness. He begins to lead and guide us in His perfect and divine purpose for our lives.   Question 2: -Why do bad things happen to good people?  A few alternate questions to help us lay a foundation; *What is good, What is bad? What makes someone a good or bad person? What makes a circumstance bad or good?   You see when posed with this line of questioning, if you will, it becomes clear we need to first define what is good and what is bad. This is not manipulative, this is not ‘twisting the question’ but in order to answer the question we must answer what ‘good’ and ‘bad’ is. If you so choose to go down the never ending philosophical rabbit hole then do what you must. However, I do not find it profitable to speak on conversation landmarks such as ‘good and bad’ and involve human theories and understanding. If we are to answer tough questions concerning matters beyond our comprehension, we must look beyond ourselves. This directs a subtle yet simple roadway to God. I only know what good is because of God. I only know what darkness is because of light.  Romans 7:7  “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, “You shall not covet.”    Note: We cannot know ‘good’ until we know God, we cannot know ‘bad’ until we know His law. He reveals Himself (good) allowing us to see ourselves, without Him (bad)   Genesis 1:3 “Then God said, ‘Let there be light’, and there was light” Note: God is the truest form of good, since we are made in His image we have the opportunity to be recipients of good and bad things. These are used to draw us to Him, and fulfill His purpose in our lives. Through us knowing and walking with Him, it allows Him to speak Life in our situations.      Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Note: If you are breathing, you are called. If you walk with Him, you are chosen!     Question 3: -Does God know my pain? This question will almost certainly come up in a deep conversation concerning God. The answer is an astounding and absolute yes! God has never made Himself absent from human pain or suffering. In fact through Christ dying on the cross for the sins of humanity, He became the ultimate representative for us, before God. He was born in a manger (wooden crate), died on a cross (one of the most gruesome and humiliating forms of punishment leading to death), buried in a borrowed grave, then rose from the dead on the third day! Not only does He know your pain, but He has conquered the sting of death and the guilt and shame that comes along with our humanity.    Genesis 1:2b And the Spirit of God hovered over the face of the waters. Note: Even when the earth was without form, void, and dark; God’s Spirit was ever present and never at any moment was He absent.   1 Corinthians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. Note: For us to be made spiritually righteous while human, it must come from within our souls. By accepting Christ as our Savior, we then deny our fleshly righteousness that comes from our flesh. The Christian is not simply required to make mandatory church attendance every Sunday but a daily choice to walk with the Creator, experience His love, His correction and allow Him to use you for His glorious purpose. When we accept Christ as our Savior, the Holy Spirit is then welcomed into our soul. The work of the Holy Spirit moves and works within us causing outward fruit to be realized and bless others (Fruits of the Spirit).   Galations 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. I hope you have enjoyed this short study series as much as I have had; digging in the word, learning of His nature, and growing in His righteousness. We serve the Creator of it all, He is truly a good Father.