Elnut, I'm a born again Christian, and I think you're right.Originally Posted by elnutsmalljaws
Many people get caught up in the Religion and Church trap and never understand that what *saves* us - actually *saves* us - isn't the Religion we do, or the Church we go to, but our faith relationship with Christ.
Why do bad things happen to good people? In reality, because none of us are truly "good." I know, if I knew you, and you knew me, we'd probably both say "that's a pretty good guy."
God, though, has a different standard than we do (thankfully!). Romans 3:10 says "There is none righteous, no, not one." You and I, we don't steal, sell drugs, take advantage of little children or old people, but we still were both born with our sin nature.
The only way to get rid of that sin nature is replace it with Christ's. And, unlike what some TRUE religious con men say, once you do that all your troubles don't go away, you don't escape sickness, you don't become a millionaire overnight. Instead, when those troubles come into your life, you have Christ's power, his nature, his strength to deal with them.
How do I know? I've seen it. One of my heroes is a woman I've known for years. Talk about what you and I would consider a "good" person! I've never known anyone who cares more for other people, gives more, or is more willing to inconvenience herself for the sake of others. Back in December she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and after some initial promising reports, things aren't looking too good right now.
Know what she told me a little while ago? How "exciting" and "what a blessing" this process had been. She talked about how she had become closer to her family, watched her husband wait on her hand and foot, and developed new relationships with friends.
She hasn't been conned, and she isn't being kept going by false hope. She's an example of what I can only hope to be someday.
Elnut, it's okay to be mad at God. I believe he'd rather have us mad at Him, and *talking* to Him, than living out our lives in a day-to-day fog. Just take some time, in between the shouting, to listen. He might just speak.
Your sister is right to ask for prayer. I promise to do my part.
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