I have been thinking about the things I know and believe lately. There are people that say with all the bad things happening in the world there can't be a god because an all powerful god would not allow such things to happen.
So why do I have such a strong conviction that there is a God? Because I have seen His hand in my life. I was in a really bad situation once, one that I couldn't get out of by myself. I was quite literally a prisoner to someone elses bad choices. I prayed a lot during that time. It was very hard, but every day I felt strength and encouragement and was able to make it through that day. One day I reached the end of my strength, I prayed for a way out and the very next day the first in a series of miracles happened. Miracles that got me out of a foreign country and back to the loving arms of my parents. There were times when I felt an assurance and sense of peace that came from outside of myself. At those times I knew that God had sent His angels to watch over me. As I strive to do things that are right I see changes in my life. Changes that bring me great happiness, changes that make my life and my daughter's life better.
So why do bad things happen to people? The Lord, as much as it pains Him, allows us to decide for ourselves if we want to believe in Him and follow His commandments. He even allows other people to hurt us, is that is their choice. The devil would have us believe that God is powerless and that is why he does nothing. The devil is a cunning liar. Someday there will be an accounting of all the actions that we have done. It's hard sometimes to turn over the hurt and the anger to the Lord. There are times when I would like to see bad people punished for what they have done, but the Lord has told us that vengeance is His and He will repay.
My dad is awesome, when I have to make a choice, whether is be getting a new car, moving or getting a new job, my dad will talk to me, give me his advice and opinion and then back off and let me make the decision myself. Sure I have gone contrary to his advice, I have disappointed him, but every time I need him, he is there. God is our Heavenly Father, He loves us very much. And even when we disappoint Him, He will always be there when we turn to Him. Just like any parent at some point has to let go and let their children make their own mistakes, so God lets go and allows us to make our own choices, it is because He loves and trusts us enough to make the right choice. Even when we do mess up, He is there offering forgiveness and redemption.
I know that God lives, I know He loves me. I know that if I turn to Him, amid the chaos and sadness of this life, I can have peace. I can have joy even when things go wrong. It also helps me be more kind to others, knowing that they are precious to God. I wish I could help everyone understand that. Maybe once we start loving everyone else as they truly are, as children of God, we will have world peace.
To you, my reader, I want you to know that I love you. I know who you truly are. You are a child of a loving and merciful God. He loves you more than you can comprehend. If you do not have this knowledge for yourself I invite you to seek Him out, for He is eager to have you talk to Him. If you do not know how to do that, just ask me. I would be happy to help you. He is the source of all good and of true happiness.
♫ I know He lives. I will follow faithfully. My heart I give to Him. I know my Heavenly Father loves me! ♫
