How Can I Love God After That?

I have a story today about a young man that loved God. Jerry spent most of his free time in the church volunteering to help the pastor, working in the church food bank, and he was an usher because he loved making sure everyone was taken care of during the services. His goal was to become a minister one day, and everyone felt God’s calling on his life; they all believed that he would make a good preacher. Something happened though which changed his life, Jerry’s little brother was struck down by a hit and run driver and killed. The police never found or charged anyone with the death of his brother, causing an anger and hatred to develop within the young man
After the incident, Jerry stopped going to church and no longer volunteered there, doing the one thing he loved so much. Concerned over his spiritual welfare, the young man’s parents asked the pastor to speak with him. When the pastor visited with Jerry, he asked him why he no longer came to church. Jerry flatly stated, “how can I love God after that,” turned his back on the pastor and then ushered him out of his room.
So many times, horrible things happen in our life, and like the young man I have personally experienced the feeling of devastation, one has when a loved one dies quickly without warning. My first impulse was to ask God, “why, why was my loved one taken away.” Life just was not fair, I was not ready for the loss and a range of emotions flooded over me; for days my moods swung in between anger with my loved one, sadness, confusion with God, self-pity, and all I wanted to do was to blame someone for her death. I wish I did not, but like the young man I wanted to blame God; surely the unexpected loss of my loved one was His fault. I had heard so many times, God is the author of the pain in our life.
As I was reading one day, feeling sorry for myself, the Holy Spirit lead me to read about what Jesus had to say about tribulation or sad times
John 16:33 (KJV) In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Jesus told us that tribulations, sadness, and horrible times will come because they are a result of living in this fallen world; however, He never said these hard times, pains, sorrows, death etc., were from God, and in fact Jesus says that our Holy Father will only supply good things when we believe upon him.
John 10:10 (KJV) The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
So, what am I saying, well the young man who blamed God for the loss of his brother was wrong, and he had forsaken the best part of his life when he made the decision to deny God because he felt his little brother’s death was His fault. It is my opinion and others, now, that God does not cause harm to us, and we see in His word, that Jesus blatantly contributes our problems to the chaos created by the god of this world, Satan. Via other wounded people the devil operates, and through their unkindness and hostility, these tortured souls create a whole lot of pain among us.
One quick note, don’t be one of these that the devil uses to hurt another; God still loves you, but when you become Satan’s instrument of pain, you open your own life to an attack from him.
God is not the author of pain, confusion, and he certainly does not hurt us to teach us something. I know there are so many religious teachings around that tell us that God is angry and ruthless; nevertheless, when we read and study the new covenant brought to us by the blood of Jesus, we see only the love of God and how much He only wants the best in our lives.
Romans 1:7 (KJV) 7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Of course, bad things happen to all of us, but when they happen God is there to help us through it and he will move mountains to get us to safety and out of the unpleasant situation. This does not just happen though, we must do our part; commune with God in prayer, read the Bible and meditate on His good word. When we consider what is good, then there is no room for thoughts of depressions, anger, or sorrows; it is then peace starts to develop.
Philippians 4:7-8 (KJV) 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
God is there, and He is Love
Give Him your pain and He will heal you
There is no tribulation, emotional hurt, or sickness that he cannot help with
Ask Him, trust Him, and you will see His wonderful blessings. ZB