Dear Jess,

 I have this one friend who is extremely faithful and a good Christian. She's helped me through all the problems I had with God, and pulled through strong even when I doubted a lot. Recently her dad died from a stroke, and her mother is also very sick. I can't see a future for her or her four sisters because she has to take care of her mother, who is in the hospital, and her siblings. I thought God protects us from these things. What's going to happen to them?
     - Shaky Faith

Dear Faith,

 Because we are sinners and born into this world, death and evil are all around us, the devil is always trying to knock us down, tear us apart and makes us resent God because of the things that happen to us. But our Father is not some cold, superhuman giant that plays around with the world at His whim, tossing us around like pawns in a chess game. He is also not some soft bearded grandpa on a cloud, spoiling us and granting us anything we pout for, or making everything bad go away. If that were the case, people would come to God for the sole purpose of relieving the pain and not out of love for him. He doesn't interfere with the rhythm of the world for our lives, because he gives us the choice to turn to Him.
 We must understand that being comforted includes willingly accepting strength, encouragement, and hope to deal with our troubles, not just an shortcut from the pain.  The more we suffer, the God can comfort you and help you through the trials. Every trial we endure will also help us comfort others that are going through similar situations (2 Corinthians 1:3-5). Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."  God works through all situations and in all experiences, not just isolated incidents. This does not mean that everything is going to be humpty dory, daffodils and sunshine every time. Evil is prevalent in our fallen world but, praise Him, God turns these dark circumstances around for the overall good in the bigger picture .
 God doesn't break His back trying to make us happy in the ways that we want, but beautifully orchestrates things to fulfill His divine purpose. Those who are called are the ones convicted by the Holy Spirit to receive Christ, given a new perspective and heart. They look for their security in heaven, not on earth, where things decompose and turn to dust. Accepting pain and persecution without resentment sounds like a visit to the dentist, but in the end, it is for your own good. Encourage your friend, remind her that she has the most wonderful, powerful, loving Person is on her side. Pray for her. He does not let us go through things that we cannot handle, only to make us stronger. Have faith, because the Lord is ALWAYS FAITHFUL. WE are not complete without faith, hope and love, and not only when life is peaches and cream. We are on the winning side, and with God on our side, NOTHING can prosper.
          Faithfully, Je¡× ~5
 
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