Wow, Donny this is deep but a very interesting topic that makes one think and really dig deep. It challenges me which I definitely need to stay on track. If you know me by now, I tend to go to the Bible to look up scripture that helps me. First thing I believe and know is that God is all knowing and powerful regardless if we agree with him or not. 1 John 3:20 says "For whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything." Psalm 147:5 says "Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond our measure." I am of the flesh and am a sinner; therefore, God is completely beyond my comprehension. I have asked God why was I put through this or that, but I always realized in the end, he wins in the end because of just who HE is. God's attributes are vast. He does judge, shows mercy, forgives, but he loves us unconditionally. The one constant attribute of God is that HE never changes. Malachi 3:16, "I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob are not destroyed." God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow as Hebrews 13:8 states. Regarding separating myself from those who have hurt me or may bring me down, that is a personal question each one of us needs to consider because I believe it is different for each of us. For me, if I'm constantly around those who are not True Believers, it will start affecting me just because of my own weaknesses. I don't judge or condemn their actions. I just need to separate myself from them to not constantly hang around them. God wants us to love our enemies, but that is very hard for any of us to do. We just have to remember God is all knowing, powerful, but loves each of us unconditionally because he knows we are all sinners and fall short of the glory of God. Sorry for being a little long on my response, but this was a great topic for discussion. By the way, I loved the walk and the scenery. Thank you once again for challenging us and look deep down within our souls. Take care my friend and God bless you and everyone in this community.
Jul 27, 2022·edited Jul 27, 2022Liked by Donny Mac
Hi Donny ~ I definitely do not know the answers, but in my seeking I ran across the book When Bad Things Happen to Good People by Harold Kushner, a rabbi who lost his 14 yr old son. Here is a passage in his book that makes a lot of sense to me: " Rabbi Kushner believes that God DOESN"T cause or prevent tragedies - these are random. However, he provides us with community and strength to find a way through the pain. He feels that proof of God's existence lies in our moral responses - our anger and resentment at unfairness, and our compassion towards others. He believes in a God of limited power, but a God of never-ending love. So when it comes to bad things happening, we need to realize that there's no reason or logic, and that ultimately the world is CHAOTIC. It's how we deal with the chaos that makes us human."
Perhaps I believe this because I want to believe it, but - because of this belief - I lead my life not railing at God or wondering why He did something He didn't do , but thanking Him for his support & blessings no matter what. Thankful for your Prayer Walks. ~ J xoxo
You have brought up some of the most confounding questions a person of faith has to confront and it's very hard to answer them for someone not of faith. It's difficult to post my thoughts here because there's so much that in our human limited thought we try to explain away and it can't be condensed into a paragraph. I think they are questions we may wrestle with until we are in His eternal presence. I think of I Cor. 13:12 "For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." Faith requires that we accept what sometimes doesn't seem to make sense in our own economy, knowing that in God's economy, it makes perfect sense. What may seem unfair or unjust to us is within God's perfect fairness and justice. God's attributes are beyond human comprehension so that's where trust comes in. Until we are willing to set aside human wisdom, knowing it's flawed, for God's wisdom, which is flawless, we will struggle with Him for control. Thanks for asking the tough questions and giving us all something to think and pray about for the next week and beyond. I think it's ok to wrestle with these questions as long as we can land in a place that says, "I don't get it, God, but I trust you."
Such great subject to talk about. I had been thinking along the line of how we view God and your prayer walk led me to finish my thoughts. Daniel 3 Shadrach,Meshech and Abednego were being forced to give up their god for a false god made of iron and human hands. They refused so King Nebuchadnezzar ordered them thrown into a huge fire. The witnesses on the outside saw someone in the fire with them. They said is was like The Son of Man. Isaiah 9 calls Jesus, wonderful counselor, mighty God Prince of Peace ( nowhere is He referred to as a magician).
John 11:20 Before Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead Martha told Jesus has he been there Lazarus would not have died. Jesus told her he was the resurrection and the life. He was there to raise Lazarus to bring glory to the Father. I have discovered no matter what I don’t understand about what God is doing, I should just wait because I know He will get the glory from it. I don’t give up on people , I do allow boundaries sometimes. I’m sorry my answer is so long but I needed to give you a good answer. Thank you Donny.
My late husband was an Atheist. He always said that there were too many scientific reasons that God couldn't exist. I was Catholic. Because he didn't believe, I was a non practicing Catholic. He was diagnosed with ALS, Lou Gehrig's Disease. I prayed every single night for the 6 years that he was sick, begging, pleading with God to not take him. That is the only end with ALS. God didn't listen. When Don died, I turned to Church. A Non-denomination Church. I talk to God so much and pray all the time. I feel that he is like a friend in the wings, waiting for me and supporting me. I was "mad" at God at first. I was bitter, always saying "why"? We had a wonderful 46 year marriage. Why did God take him away. Was it because he was atheist? I thought that at first, but I don't think that anymore. Don had an illness, and I needed God to be in my life more. So I guess I had a different end result with God. It brought him into my life instead of me shutting him out.
Wow , Donny, I am having such a hard time with this one, it just brings back so many memories, in a part of my life that was so unbearable. 57 years this month, my son Craig was born and six months later he died in my arms on the way to the hospital. I could not swallow, my throat closed up, I could not breath, was unable to eat for months. My husband at the time took me to our priest and told him I hated God. After the priest talked to me , he went out to my husband and said , she does not hate God, she is questioning Him. Two days later I was in the hospital with a breakdown. I was their for seven weeks. The thing that pulled me through was I had a daughter at home who was 5 years old and needed me. I know that God gave me the strength to pull myself together. Such a very dark time in my life. My point is people might think it is God you hate, but it's not, it's only questions you want answers from God. The marriage broke up after 18 years. A few years later I met my husband and we were married 42 years when he passed. So with all of that darkness came a light and God was their for me.
Jul 27, 2022·edited Jul 27, 2022Liked by Donny Mac
Well Don you sure did ask some deep questions. I hope what I am about to say doesn't make me sound more pious than I actually am. I have never questioned the things God has done and I see his grace and mercy all through the OT as well as his judgement. I guess I have just accepted that God has all power to do what he deems is right and not for me to question. Even when I have times where I seem to doubt his love I know (have learnt) that comes from my insecurities and is not true. Doesn't mean I won't feel that way again but that is Ok with God, he understands me better than I understand myself. I have also realised thst I have cut people out of my life even christians for wrong reasons. Even when they have gotten under my skin I should have persevered with them and trusted God to do what he needed to do both in me and them.
Wow Donny! I wish we could have some type of zoom discussion about all this. This could just go into so many different levels and paths. Thank you dearly for challenging us! Many of the stories that we have shared in this community for this prayer walk and in previous are very difficult for our brains to understand. His thoughts are not my thoughts as the scripture says in Isaiah 55:8-9 so therefore our brain does not have the capacity to think as he does. That is actually comforting to me. Because, when I hear of tragedy it makes me turn to the idea that God is good and all-knowing and all-powerful. Like you said, Donny, on the walk we don’t even know that if someone was to be healed would that actually bring him/her closer to the Lord.. When I hear of the scriptures like in Job and many others where there is such loss, As well as when you hear of scriptures where god is the judge like in Psalm 75:7, I am in my human brain tempted to just set that aside and not really want to believe it and go there. But what I do know is if he wasn’t a judge then how could he be omniscient? I have personally not walked away from my faith due to being angry at God or not believing a scripture, but I certainly have questioned why things have happened. I think when I struggle in relationships that is one of the hardest tests for me. My pride as we have talked in other prayer walks definitely is the root of me not understanding. But once again I rely on that scripture that my thoughts are not his. Thank you once again for challenging us!
Donny I’m completely humbled by this prayer walk. Thank you. I’ve never allowed the concept of God not bing real to enter my mind !! I know without a shadow of a doubt he is!! I fall short every day and on my weakest days I have asked myself what have I done to be punished like I have been. I know I’m worthy of his love and I know he test us to show us the strength we have in his faith. But some days I am weak. I know his plan is bigger than anything I can imagine but it’s hard as a wife/mom to sit back and not have control of your life. I often do try to distance myself and my children from people with “issues” but sometimes it’s impossible. And I try to live the best way I can to not be that person that I try to shy away from. I am teaching myself to count my blessings rather than my setbacks... it’s a challenge but with Gods grace and prayer from you guys I know “this too shall pass” ! Donny I’m so grateful for you and your inspiration and love in this group!! Bless you.
Well that is a good question. I don't always like the answers that GOD gives me, but HE knows best. I try to listen to him. Far as the question about a person you don't like or love. I think GOD wants to be happy. So Love your neighbor ,you don't have to like them or their ways But you can still love them. Trust in the LORD. Just pray for HIS guidance, but be still and wait for answer. HE always has answer. Blessings to you.
Jul 28, 2022·edited Jul 28, 2022Liked by Donny Mac
This is heavy Donny you brought some questions of my faith? I have been praying all day today and not sure my answer to this ? I don’t disagree with God? After my second resuscitation I have ask God why you want me to live with humans? I have ask God so many times over why? I lost half of my face , couldn’t speak ,on feeding tube and with a trachea. I disagree with him why he let me suffer ? God is working thru me and he put me on this earthly life , he must have purpose for me? Yet twice God keep given me strength and gifted me life. I was very ungrateful the beginning of my suffering, my husband reminded me that God promised us that we would get those things if we ask in prayers. I had built myself from the suffering and I refuse to live ,but God put me back on earth life. It hasn’t been easy I’m getting in control of my Faith and agree with God . Everything we go through in life assist us with who we are in this moment and everything happens unfold in divine perfection and timing. This fast few days I feel a little anxious, empty , and tired and God says hang on child I got you! It doesn’t matter what I have to face with as I will never face it alone. I had my pet/scan yesterday morning and by late afternoon I had meeting with three of my oncologist and we discussed and they compared image from last year and yesterday? As the radiologist has not read my new image yet when we have the meeting.We shake hands as they said I am cancer free? Late this afternoon I received the best news and it’s confirmed by the radiologist Cancer Free.Weight lifted off and I have been in my prayer room praying and meditating and repent for all my bad thoughts , grateful for the technology as I was able to FaceTime with my siblings to share the great news. I am overjoyed with the news as this is the second year I am cancer free and no more treatments. He is the good God of all things big and small and loves me the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.There’s a comprehensiveness to Gods ability that covers all that concern He forgives all iniquity, he heals all my diseases. ( Roman 15:13) May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
I am 76 years old and was so blessed to be married to my husband for 53 years before he passed away from cancer. Did we ever ask God why he allowed Jerry to have this horrible disease. No because we knew God's ways were not our ways. Because of what happened in the Garden of Eden sickness, sin, and other bad things came into the world. We prayed for Jerry's healing constantly, and he has been healed, but not in the way we wanted. Am I angry and have I walked way from God? Absolutely not! I actually read and study my Bible even more now than I ever did before Jerry's death. Yes, I miss my husband so very much and wish he were here with me. But I know one day I will be with God and my husband.
Jul 28, 2022·edited Jul 28, 2022Liked by Donny Mac
It was so good to listen to this, Donny. We can wonder why someone who is living near to God, been in his service in a special way, has brougth lots of people to faith in Good - and has suddenly died.
I try to think, God knows best for each person, I do not. God sees the future.
I have lost two brothers in law in caraccidents, only I year beetween. My parents in law were broken, but they said we do not know, God knows. It is a reason. Last week I was contacted by a near friend. One of her familymembers had cancer, and there was no hope. Can you pray, she asked. What do you want me to pray, I said? What is Gods will? Hard answer from me, she thougth. The person died some days later. Did I pray wrong? My friend is a Christian, and she asked me where is God? She was so young. I answered we have to believe, we do not know what could be the future, only God knows.
Wow, Donny this is deep but a very interesting topic that makes one think and really dig deep. It challenges me which I definitely need to stay on track. If you know me by now, I tend to go to the Bible to look up scripture that helps me. First thing I believe and know is that God is all knowing and powerful regardless if we agree with him or not. 1 John 3:20 says "For whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything." Psalm 147:5 says "Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond our measure." I am of the flesh and am a sinner; therefore, God is completely beyond my comprehension. I have asked God why was I put through this or that, but I always realized in the end, he wins in the end because of just who HE is. God's attributes are vast. He does judge, shows mercy, forgives, but he loves us unconditionally. The one constant attribute of God is that HE never changes. Malachi 3:16, "I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob are not destroyed." God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow as Hebrews 13:8 states. Regarding separating myself from those who have hurt me or may bring me down, that is a personal question each one of us needs to consider because I believe it is different for each of us. For me, if I'm constantly around those who are not True Believers, it will start affecting me just because of my own weaknesses. I don't judge or condemn their actions. I just need to separate myself from them to not constantly hang around them. God wants us to love our enemies, but that is very hard for any of us to do. We just have to remember God is all knowing, powerful, but loves each of us unconditionally because he knows we are all sinners and fall short of the glory of God. Sorry for being a little long on my response, but this was a great topic for discussion. By the way, I loved the walk and the scenery. Thank you once again for challenging us and look deep down within our souls. Take care my friend and God bless you and everyone in this community.
Hi Donny ~ I definitely do not know the answers, but in my seeking I ran across the book When Bad Things Happen to Good People by Harold Kushner, a rabbi who lost his 14 yr old son. Here is a passage in his book that makes a lot of sense to me: " Rabbi Kushner believes that God DOESN"T cause or prevent tragedies - these are random. However, he provides us with community and strength to find a way through the pain. He feels that proof of God's existence lies in our moral responses - our anger and resentment at unfairness, and our compassion towards others. He believes in a God of limited power, but a God of never-ending love. So when it comes to bad things happening, we need to realize that there's no reason or logic, and that ultimately the world is CHAOTIC. It's how we deal with the chaos that makes us human."
Perhaps I believe this because I want to believe it, but - because of this belief - I lead my life not railing at God or wondering why He did something He didn't do , but thanking Him for his support & blessings no matter what. Thankful for your Prayer Walks. ~ J xoxo
You have brought up some of the most confounding questions a person of faith has to confront and it's very hard to answer them for someone not of faith. It's difficult to post my thoughts here because there's so much that in our human limited thought we try to explain away and it can't be condensed into a paragraph. I think they are questions we may wrestle with until we are in His eternal presence. I think of I Cor. 13:12 "For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." Faith requires that we accept what sometimes doesn't seem to make sense in our own economy, knowing that in God's economy, it makes perfect sense. What may seem unfair or unjust to us is within God's perfect fairness and justice. God's attributes are beyond human comprehension so that's where trust comes in. Until we are willing to set aside human wisdom, knowing it's flawed, for God's wisdom, which is flawless, we will struggle with Him for control. Thanks for asking the tough questions and giving us all something to think and pray about for the next week and beyond. I think it's ok to wrestle with these questions as long as we can land in a place that says, "I don't get it, God, but I trust you."
Such great subject to talk about. I had been thinking along the line of how we view God and your prayer walk led me to finish my thoughts. Daniel 3 Shadrach,Meshech and Abednego were being forced to give up their god for a false god made of iron and human hands. They refused so King Nebuchadnezzar ordered them thrown into a huge fire. The witnesses on the outside saw someone in the fire with them. They said is was like The Son of Man. Isaiah 9 calls Jesus, wonderful counselor, mighty God Prince of Peace ( nowhere is He referred to as a magician).
John 11:20 Before Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead Martha told Jesus has he been there Lazarus would not have died. Jesus told her he was the resurrection and the life. He was there to raise Lazarus to bring glory to the Father. I have discovered no matter what I don’t understand about what God is doing, I should just wait because I know He will get the glory from it. I don’t give up on people , I do allow boundaries sometimes. I’m sorry my answer is so long but I needed to give you a good answer. Thank you Donny.
Such good advice Donny. I’ll be on the look out to share my faith and receive information about someone else’s. Thank you for this post.
My late husband was an Atheist. He always said that there were too many scientific reasons that God couldn't exist. I was Catholic. Because he didn't believe, I was a non practicing Catholic. He was diagnosed with ALS, Lou Gehrig's Disease. I prayed every single night for the 6 years that he was sick, begging, pleading with God to not take him. That is the only end with ALS. God didn't listen. When Don died, I turned to Church. A Non-denomination Church. I talk to God so much and pray all the time. I feel that he is like a friend in the wings, waiting for me and supporting me. I was "mad" at God at first. I was bitter, always saying "why"? We had a wonderful 46 year marriage. Why did God take him away. Was it because he was atheist? I thought that at first, but I don't think that anymore. Don had an illness, and I needed God to be in my life more. So I guess I had a different end result with God. It brought him into my life instead of me shutting him out.
Indeed He is. Take care.
Wow , Donny, I am having such a hard time with this one, it just brings back so many memories, in a part of my life that was so unbearable. 57 years this month, my son Craig was born and six months later he died in my arms on the way to the hospital. I could not swallow, my throat closed up, I could not breath, was unable to eat for months. My husband at the time took me to our priest and told him I hated God. After the priest talked to me , he went out to my husband and said , she does not hate God, she is questioning Him. Two days later I was in the hospital with a breakdown. I was their for seven weeks. The thing that pulled me through was I had a daughter at home who was 5 years old and needed me. I know that God gave me the strength to pull myself together. Such a very dark time in my life. My point is people might think it is God you hate, but it's not, it's only questions you want answers from God. The marriage broke up after 18 years. A few years later I met my husband and we were married 42 years when he passed. So with all of that darkness came a light and God was their for me.
Well Don you sure did ask some deep questions. I hope what I am about to say doesn't make me sound more pious than I actually am. I have never questioned the things God has done and I see his grace and mercy all through the OT as well as his judgement. I guess I have just accepted that God has all power to do what he deems is right and not for me to question. Even when I have times where I seem to doubt his love I know (have learnt) that comes from my insecurities and is not true. Doesn't mean I won't feel that way again but that is Ok with God, he understands me better than I understand myself. I have also realised thst I have cut people out of my life even christians for wrong reasons. Even when they have gotten under my skin I should have persevered with them and trusted God to do what he needed to do both in me and them.
Wow Donny! I wish we could have some type of zoom discussion about all this. This could just go into so many different levels and paths. Thank you dearly for challenging us! Many of the stories that we have shared in this community for this prayer walk and in previous are very difficult for our brains to understand. His thoughts are not my thoughts as the scripture says in Isaiah 55:8-9 so therefore our brain does not have the capacity to think as he does. That is actually comforting to me. Because, when I hear of tragedy it makes me turn to the idea that God is good and all-knowing and all-powerful. Like you said, Donny, on the walk we don’t even know that if someone was to be healed would that actually bring him/her closer to the Lord.. When I hear of the scriptures like in Job and many others where there is such loss, As well as when you hear of scriptures where god is the judge like in Psalm 75:7, I am in my human brain tempted to just set that aside and not really want to believe it and go there. But what I do know is if he wasn’t a judge then how could he be omniscient? I have personally not walked away from my faith due to being angry at God or not believing a scripture, but I certainly have questioned why things have happened. I think when I struggle in relationships that is one of the hardest tests for me. My pride as we have talked in other prayer walks definitely is the root of me not understanding. But once again I rely on that scripture that my thoughts are not his. Thank you once again for challenging us!
Donny I’m completely humbled by this prayer walk. Thank you. I’ve never allowed the concept of God not bing real to enter my mind !! I know without a shadow of a doubt he is!! I fall short every day and on my weakest days I have asked myself what have I done to be punished like I have been. I know I’m worthy of his love and I know he test us to show us the strength we have in his faith. But some days I am weak. I know his plan is bigger than anything I can imagine but it’s hard as a wife/mom to sit back and not have control of your life. I often do try to distance myself and my children from people with “issues” but sometimes it’s impossible. And I try to live the best way I can to not be that person that I try to shy away from. I am teaching myself to count my blessings rather than my setbacks... it’s a challenge but with Gods grace and prayer from you guys I know “this too shall pass” ! Donny I’m so grateful for you and your inspiration and love in this group!! Bless you.
Well that is a good question. I don't always like the answers that GOD gives me, but HE knows best. I try to listen to him. Far as the question about a person you don't like or love. I think GOD wants to be happy. So Love your neighbor ,you don't have to like them or their ways But you can still love them. Trust in the LORD. Just pray for HIS guidance, but be still and wait for answer. HE always has answer. Blessings to you.
This is heavy Donny you brought some questions of my faith? I have been praying all day today and not sure my answer to this ? I don’t disagree with God? After my second resuscitation I have ask God why you want me to live with humans? I have ask God so many times over why? I lost half of my face , couldn’t speak ,on feeding tube and with a trachea. I disagree with him why he let me suffer ? God is working thru me and he put me on this earthly life , he must have purpose for me? Yet twice God keep given me strength and gifted me life. I was very ungrateful the beginning of my suffering, my husband reminded me that God promised us that we would get those things if we ask in prayers. I had built myself from the suffering and I refuse to live ,but God put me back on earth life. It hasn’t been easy I’m getting in control of my Faith and agree with God . Everything we go through in life assist us with who we are in this moment and everything happens unfold in divine perfection and timing. This fast few days I feel a little anxious, empty , and tired and God says hang on child I got you! It doesn’t matter what I have to face with as I will never face it alone. I had my pet/scan yesterday morning and by late afternoon I had meeting with three of my oncologist and we discussed and they compared image from last year and yesterday? As the radiologist has not read my new image yet when we have the meeting.We shake hands as they said I am cancer free? Late this afternoon I received the best news and it’s confirmed by the radiologist Cancer Free.Weight lifted off and I have been in my prayer room praying and meditating and repent for all my bad thoughts , grateful for the technology as I was able to FaceTime with my siblings to share the great news. I am overjoyed with the news as this is the second year I am cancer free and no more treatments. He is the good God of all things big and small and loves me the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.There’s a comprehensiveness to Gods ability that covers all that concern He forgives all iniquity, he heals all my diseases. ( Roman 15:13) May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Bless you Lucy.
I am 76 years old and was so blessed to be married to my husband for 53 years before he passed away from cancer. Did we ever ask God why he allowed Jerry to have this horrible disease. No because we knew God's ways were not our ways. Because of what happened in the Garden of Eden sickness, sin, and other bad things came into the world. We prayed for Jerry's healing constantly, and he has been healed, but not in the way we wanted. Am I angry and have I walked way from God? Absolutely not! I actually read and study my Bible even more now than I ever did before Jerry's death. Yes, I miss my husband so very much and wish he were here with me. But I know one day I will be with God and my husband.
It was so good to listen to this, Donny. We can wonder why someone who is living near to God, been in his service in a special way, has brougth lots of people to faith in Good - and has suddenly died.
I try to think, God knows best for each person, I do not. God sees the future.
I have lost two brothers in law in caraccidents, only I year beetween. My parents in law were broken, but they said we do not know, God knows. It is a reason. Last week I was contacted by a near friend. One of her familymembers had cancer, and there was no hope. Can you pray, she asked. What do you want me to pray, I said? What is Gods will? Hard answer from me, she thougth. The person died some days later. Did I pray wrong? My friend is a Christian, and she asked me where is God? She was so young. I answered we have to believe, we do not know what could be the future, only God knows.