This sister speaks my heart. It may seem a subtle difference to some who have yet to face unspeakable horror and pain-but it is an important one. Thank you Susie for your faithful witness and your prayerful heart in sharing what God is showing you.
I don’t believe
that when God says
He works
all things
for the good,
that He means
He gives us brokenness
and then calls it good
I don’t believe that
I believe that
when God says
He works
all things
for the good
He means
that for those who love Him,
He takes our brokenness
in this broken world
and He uses it for good
He redeems it
He uses
difficult
and harsh
and sad
and awful
and changes hearts
heals wounds
teaches
and makes something beautiful
He wraps His loving arms
around the worst
and when He opens His arms
we find that the worst
looks like good
– Susie Stewart
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.
– Romans 8:28 (NIV)
For I know the plans I have for you,” says…
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I am having a hard time beleiveing that Jesus Christ is actually the Son of God. Take a look at some of the research done by Bart Erhman in particular “When Did Jesus become God”. It is a 3 part speech you can find on Youtube. Bart is one of the most studied individuals on the historicity of the Bible. As a life long believer I have had to rethink my position since my sons death a few months ago and am seeking the truth. There can only be one truth. If you have information after listening to Erhman that contradicts his findings or information on why would still believe that Jesus is the Messiah I would welcome hearing your thoughts.
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Greg,
Thank you for sharing your perspective. Although I disagree with your conclusions, I also have had to pull out every single thing I thought I believed before child loss and re-examine it in light of my experience.
I did not listen to the lectures but I did look up Erhman’s work and also some of the critics of his work. I have studied Scripture and theology for decades so these ideas are not new to me. It’s very easy when in a season of doubt to entertain and be swayed by arguments that sound good and well-reasoned. But it always easy to pick apart anything.
I can’t go toe-to-toe with him on every point but I would recommend you also listen to/read his critics before reaching a conclusion based on scholarship of any kind.
My belief that Jesus is the Son of God, Saviour and the Christ is rooted in the real world, not textual criticism. Christianity has flourished through the ages because Jesus changes hearts and lives, not because the people so changed understood every jot and tittle of the written Word. I am changed. My son was changed. My neighbors are changed. THAT is the testimony I believe.
I would highly recommend C.S. Lewis’ works to you. Especially Mere Christianity and A Grief Observed. I pray that you will continue to allow God to speak to your broken heart. He will. It’s hard to listen sometimes because we hurt so badly.
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I prefer the more modern translation of NIV.. “God works” for the good of those who love him. To me there is a big difference, “He works all things for the good…” In the previous verse in Romans chapter 8, it’s clear how works for you. Still difficult, but seems better to me. I did write a blog on those verse in Romans, if you want to check it out. Nice words for thoughts by Susie, thanks for sharing.
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