When It All Goes Boom

Introduction

Life is full of unexpected events that can completely change the course of our lives. These moments, often referred to as “big booms,” can be devastating and leave us feeling lost and broken. We may question why these tragedies happen to us or to those we love. In times of suffering, it is natural to search for answers and try to make sense of our pain.

The Reality of Suffering

It is important to acknowledge that suffering is a reality in our world. Bad things happen to good people, and we all have to deal with the consequences of these hardships. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, financial ruin, illness, or any other form of suffering, it can feel unfair and overwhelming. We often question why God allows these terrible things to happen, especially when it seems like those who do evil are thriving while the good suffer.

However, it is crucial to understand that suffering is not selective. It affects all people, regardless of their actions or character. We live in a broken world, where sin and evil exist. The consequences of disobedience, both from our own actions and the presence of evil, contribute to the suffering we experience.

Why Does Suffering Exist?

This brings us to the question of why suffering exists in the first place. If God is all-powerful, why would He allow bad things to happen? It is essential to recognize that God does not cause our suffering. He is a loving and compassionate God, and His nature is pure, perfect love. However, He allows suffering to occur because He gives us the freedom to make choices.

In the Garden of Eden, God gave Adam and Eve everything they needed and warned them not to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. He wanted them to have the freedom to choose to love Him rather than being mere robots. Unfortunately, they chose to disobey, and as a result, sin entered the world, leading to suffering and brokenness.

Furthermore, we live in a broken world where evil exists. Satan, the god of this age, works to blind the minds of unbelievers and spread evil throughout the world. Sin brings forth suffering, and we see the effects of this brokenness in death, disease, and all forms of human suffering.

Our Suffering is Temporary

While suffering is a part of our present reality, it is important to remember that it is temporary. Our time on this earth is fleeting compared to eternity. In Romans 8:18, Paul reminds us that our present sufferings cannot be compared to the glory that awaits us in Heaven.

When we fix our eyes on what is unseen, through the eyes of faith, we can find hope and comfort in the knowledge that our suffering is not in vain. God works all things for the good of those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose. Though it may be difficult to see in the midst of our pain, God can bring blessings and beauty out of our brokenness.

God’s Faithfulness in Suffering

It is essential to recognize that God is faithful even in our suffering. He does not abandon us or cause our pain, but rather, He walks alongside us, offering comfort and strength. Jesus, who suffered more than any human being ever has, understands our pain and can empathize with us.

God works ahead of us, fixing the messes we cannot fix and working behind us, cleaning up the aftermath of our suffering. He loves us deeply and cares for us more than we can comprehend. In our darkest moments, when we are questioning why, we can turn to Him and trust that He is at work, even if we cannot see it.

Trusting God in the Midst of Suffering

When we experience a “big boom” in our lives, it can be challenging to trust God and lean on Him. However, it is precisely in these moments that we need to lean into our faith and trust that God is with us. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts, lean not on our understanding, and acknowledge Him in all our ways.

Trusting God means surrendering our need for control and recognizing that His plans are greater than ours. It means acknowledging that we cannot fully understand His ways, but we can trust His love and goodness. Even in the midst of our suffering, God is working for our good.

The Promise of Beauty for Ashes

God can bring beauty out of our ashes. He can take the most devastating and broken parts of our lives and redeem them. We may not always understand why certain things happen, but we can trust that God is at work, even in our pain.

There are countless stories of individuals who have experienced tragedy and found healing and restoration. God can use our suffering to shape us, grow our faith, and bring forth positive change in our lives. He can turn our pain into a testimony of His love and faithfulness.

When it all goes boom, and our lives are shattered by tragedy and suffering, it is easy to question and doubt. However, we must remember that suffering is a part of our broken world. God does not cause our suffering, but He allows it because of our freedom to choose.

While our suffering is temporary, God’s love and faithfulness are eternal. He can bring blessings out of our pain and use our suffering to draw us closer to Him. We can trust Him, even when we cannot see the bigger picture.

So, when the big boom happens in your life, remember to trust in the Lord, lean not on your understanding, and acknowledge Him in all your ways. Know that your suffering is not in vain, and God can bring beauty out of your ashes.

Hold on to hope and keep your eyes fixed on the eternal glory that awaits us. Remember that God is with you, working ahead of you, and bringing forth redemption and restoration. Trust Him in the midst of your suffering, and He will make your path straight.