Don’t we have a responsibility to bring our cares to Him and trust Him as He guides us?

on Jun 18, 2024

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: A monumental task is in front of me: to find all the promises of God, particularly regarding affliction. I’m exploring Scripture on an old question: why God allows suffering and how much He permits people to bear. In these progressive times, I do believe we as a people have gotten soft and can’t deal with the slightest hardship. Many people simply cannot trust in God because of this unanswerable mystery. Yet, don’t we have a responsibility to bring our cares to Him and trust Him as He guides us? – C.S.

A: Estimates as to the number of promises in the Bible range all the way from 8,000 to 30,000.

Generations advance and societies change as new ideas emerge. But one thing is certain: God does not change. “I the Lord do not change” (Malachi 3:6, ESV). John Bunyan wrote, “Afflictions are governed by God, both as to time, number, nature, and measure. Our times, and our conditions [are] in the hand of God, [so] are our souls and bodies, to be kept and preserved from evil while the rod of God is upon us.”

God is interested in and concerned about every aspect of our lives – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. The Bible makes it clear that nothing that concerns us is beneath God’s concern.

We must remember that there are only two kinds of people: those who trust in God, and those who do not. God’s promises are for His people. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1, NIV). However, we often allow bitterness to keep Him at a distance when He wants to bring us near. If we will make our sorrow and trouble an occasion for learning more of God’s love and of His power to aid and bless, we will grow more confident of His providence. As a result, the brightness of His love will fill our lives.

========

(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)