Quote from Forum Archives on May 2, 2002, 11:27 am

Posted by: masinick <masinick@...>

Dear friends,

How do you feel when difficult things happen around you - or TO you?
Do you sometimes wonder where God is, and why things happen the way
they do? Well, that has been a question that's been raised as long as
people have existed. The Bible has plenty to say about it, too. But
perhaps the apostle Paul or the Old Testament story of Job have more
to say about these things than any other sources.

I like Larry's conclusion: Seek God, and God will soon find you!
Please read this week's story from Sowing Seeds of Faith for a
practical expression of faith.

Your Brother in Christ,
Brian

Reply-to: "Sowing Seeds of Faith..." <sowseeds@nesbeonline.com>
Subject: "Where Are You God?"

Sowing Seeds of Faith...

Sowing Seeds Ministry fourth annual writing contest is an excellent
opportunity to flex those writing muscles. Four categories this year:
Devotion, Poetry, Sermon and now Prayer. For more information click
here: www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/writing.htm

"Where Are You God?" Larry Davies

It's been an emotionally draining week in our community. The kind that
makes you want cry out: "Where are you God?"

+ A tornado ripped through our community destroying several homes and
churches.
+ A beautiful 19 month old boy is expected to die of cancer this week.
+ Another frustrated couple can find solace only in separation.
+ Three different men each lost their mother this week.
+ Another young man is in jail struggling with a drug problem.
+ A woman continues her brave battle against cancer with yet another
round of chemotherapy.

+ Another woman is desperately trying to break the pervasive hold of
an abusive relationship.

Where can someone find God in the midst of this much tragedy? Where is
the hope?

Paul, sick and in prison was writing to a church in the midst of its
own struggle. Yet surrounded by hopelessness, Paul speaks of hope: "We
are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed and
broken. We are perplexed, but we don't give up and quit. We are hunted
down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up
again and keep going." (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)

How does Paul do it? How does he maintain his faith? He continues:
"That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our
spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are
quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an
immeasurably great glory that will last forever! So we don't look at
the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we
have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the
joys to come will last forever." (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

Here is the point:

1. Your body may be dying but with trust and faith, your spirit will
strengthen.

2. The tragedy and suffering you experience now will soon be replaced
with God's glory which lasts an eternity.

3. We must learn to look beyond our troubles to the joys of God?s
promises!

How do we do that? Why do you think God organized the church? It may
be filled with imperfect human beings, but it is still the best place
I know to receive comfort and hope in the midst of disaster. During
this same week, I also found great examples of hope:

+ The family of the dying baby has received love and support from
around the community.

+ One man struggling with career problems found a new job with great
potential.

+ The African Children?s Choir from Uganda visits our area sharing
hope received from God.

+ Several women in a Bible study describe times when the love shared
by the group helped them cope with unspeakable pain.

+ The woman breaking free from an abusive relationship is now seeing
someone who genuinely cares about her. Together they are working
toward a deeper faith.

+ A group of our local youth joined 5300 more from around the state to
hear a famous Christian rock group and nationally respected leaders
share the love and grace of Jesus Christ.

+ The church destroyed by the tornado is already receiving help from
around the community and is talking of rebuilding.

+ A man from another church visits to tell how God changed his
life. He was a chaplain called to duty at ground zero in New York
during the 9/11 tragedy.

Where is God? Maybe Paul answered it best: "For the troubles we see
will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever." If you are
looking for God, don't give up, pray, reach out to a friend, look to
your church, open your Bible and God will soon find you!

If you like this devotion you will love the book: ?Breaking the Peanut
Butter Habit: Following God?s Recipe for a Better Life? now on sale
only through this website. Click here for more information:
www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/peanbutt.htm

Join our prayer ministry by clicking here:
www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/sign-up.htm

Jesus said: "You are the light of the world -- like a city on a
mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. Don't hide your light
under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all."
(Matthew 5:14-15)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

This mailing proudly powered by Subscribe Me(TM) Professional -
Enterprise Edition www.subscribemepro.com

=====
--
Brian Masinick, "The Mas", mailto:masinick@yahoo.com
Home page: www.geocities.com/masinick/

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Health - your guide to health and wellness
health.yahoo.com