Can God Be Trusted?

"You ever wonder why some little children, or faithful followers of Jesus end up experiencing disease, crisis, and other terrible things. Is God fair? Can we trust God? " ~Pastor Bradwell~

The above quote and title of this post was posed by Pastor Thomas Bradwell whom I met many years ago... I thought it was a very good question and it is one that many many people have asked over and over again. I replied to the above statement and question below. I just wanted to share and hope and pray it blesses and encourages others. I hope it gives insight to those who are in need.


My Response:

Yes, I have wondered about the same exact things. Some of my conculsions are as follows:


1. We live in a sin sick world.

2. Romans 8:28 - "And we know all things work together for good, to them that love God and are the called according to His purpose."

3. Study the life of Job

4. Focus on Jesus - He endured alot for us. The Word tells us that in this world we will have tribulations but we must be of good cheer because He (Jesus) has overcome the world. I believe that one of the things the church has failed to do particularily here in America because we are so comfortable is to tell people that we will face trials, tribulations, and persecution... But there is hope because it tells us in James 1:2-4 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

I think that we are too comfortable and we think that we should not have to go through anything. Some times we think that trouble is doom and gloom but God is meaning it for our good. Just look at Job! When we are tested our faith is being built up in God and it is causing us to become stronger and wiser. If we never go through anything that caused us to be uncomfortable we would not grow in our faith/trust in God, we would lack endurance, we lean on ourselves and others more than we would God, we would not be made perfect and complete lacking nothing. When trials come it is to expose and remove what does not belong and cause us to become more like Christ - perfect and complete lacking nothing. We often times forget that the sufferings of this world are temporary and is nothing to be compared to the glory that shall be revealed in us... We have to remember constantly that we must walk by faith and not by sight. The word of God has to be the foundation that we stand on because all other ground is sinking sand... God's word is powerful and living... God's Word will never return unto Him void but will accomplish that which it has been sent out to do... We must remember to trust (lean on, depend on, believe, have faith) in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not to our own understanding and in all our ways acknowledge Him and He will direct our paths...

Finally, I believe we must remember that God's will and goal for all is to be saved (enter in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ)... His will and goal for His children (those who have accepted the sacrifice that Jesus made on our behalf) is to become more and more like Jesus everyday. He has begun and is continuing a good work in us and with all of the negative things that happen to us and those around us -- God will if we allow Him to Work it all together for good to those that love Him and are the called according to His purpose because He has predestined us to be conformed to the image of His Son... :-) We should also remember to give thanks in all things for this is the will of God concerning us... Yes, even the trials, tribulations, etc.....