Needing Control Amidst the Pain
written by Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as he is doing today.”
Does God allow harm to perform a greater good? Somehow, that idea bothers me. Can God be Almighty and allow unjust and evil things to occur for the greater good? If God is Almighty, couldn’t God come up with another way that doesn’t include pain and suffering?
One of my first funerals was for a woman who had just died in an automobile accident. She was in her twenties and just married. I performed their ceremony. The husband sat in my living room in shock. In my inexperience and discomfort, I sat there trying to defend God by saying, “God did not intend for her to die in this way.” He took me by surprise by interrupting. He said, “The only way I can survive this is if God planned it all along and needed her even more than I did.” I learned so much from that grieving husband that night, so long ago.
Joseph does a faithfully humble thing in forgiving his brothers after they tried to kill him. Their jealousy and vindictiveness were not stronger than Joseph’s faith in God’s divine plan. It is easy to talk intellectually about ethical judgments, even God, when comfortable. It is an entirely different matter when we are in the middle of our greatest fears and anguish. My friend was saying that amidst the horrendous chaos of violent death, he needed to grab hold of divine control. If all is chaos, and God is no more than a responder to universal chaos, God cannot be God.
Today, think about what you need from God and how you would need God amid your greatest tragedy. Has your faith ever been put to the test? Have you ever lost your faith? We all experience fear and doubt because God is not fully revealed. How do you face your doubt? What brings you hope and trust? Then, find someone you can share this discussion with today or tomorrow. Find out how they feel about such matters. Share your thoughts with them. Like the husband I mentioned earlier, who taught me amidst his suffering, some can also teach us aspects of the faith. Facing fear and grief is a courageous act. You have the courage!
