| General Non-Fiction posted October 2, 2023 |
  |
How would things be different if I were God?
What if I were God?
by T B Botts
There are a number of people on this site who are suffering; either with physical issues or family issues or mental issues, whatever. The fact of the matter is, being human can be a painful experience. None of us escapes without a few bruises of some sort. I understand that. It just seems that some folks suffer more than they should, through no fault of their own.
One of our members is dealing with her husband's physical and mental decline, another's husband has recently undergone prostate surgery, a number of you have lost spouses, more than one is suffering all manner of illnesses that would put me out of the running. That's just the tip of the iceberg. God knows how many people are a paycheck away from financial disaster. Then of course there are the natural disasters; the heat, fires, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, you name it, someone somewhere is going through it.
I sometimes wonder why. Why do these good people have to suffer? It doesn't seem fair. If I had been born in a poverty stricken country in Africa, how much different would my life be? What if I were in Ukraine right now wondering if I would live to see tomorrow? How would I survive in North Korea under a power mad dictator or in Iran with the state dictating which god I should worship?
I'm not facing any of those scenarios, for which I do indeed thank God, but I wonder why the disparity? I had nothing to do with where I was born or who my parents would be. Thankfully I wasn't born in a time when life meant so little that my mother would decide to abort me for one reason or another.
I wonder, if I were God, would I do things differently? Would I, with the wave of my hand, remove the sorrow from a mother who has just lost her child, or give relief to all who called on me in their time of illness? Would I immediately punish those wicked people who prey on innocent children or bring before me the power hungry dictators of the world to answer for their crimes? How would I decide when it was time to call one of my children home, knowing full well that their passing would leave a void? If I had the power to make those changes, what would the end result be? Would everyone live in harmony, enjoying a care free life?
The butterfly needs to struggle to get out of the cocoon in order to have strength to live in the world. In the same way, God has seen fit to allow struggles and sorrow into each of our lives. Somehow He can use it all for good, however painful it might be for us at the time.
When Job was suffering unbelievable trials and his complaints had run their course, he was confronted by the Lord. God spoke to him out of a storm and said: "Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you and you will answer me.Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me if you understand. Who marked off it's dimensions? Surely you know!"
I'm nowhere near the man of integrity that Job was. Were God to question me in a like manner, I would melt into a pool of mush. I can't fix my car, repair my roof, or even write a story without the help of spell check, how much less qualified am I to think that I could fill the shoes of the Almighty? There are things that happen in this world that I don't like. I don't want my family or friends to suffer. I hate the power hungry, greedy politicians of this world. I don't like bullies in any form. I hate that some people go to bed wondering if they will live to see the morning, or perhaps dreading what the morning will bring. I don't want people to be hungry or sick, but I'm limited in what I can do. I can offer my prayers, but they seem so inadequate. I'll vow to help where I can, to try to be a good friend to those in need, whatever that need may be, but I'm not God. For that I think we can all rejoice.
There are a number of people on this site who are suffering; either with physical issues or family issues or mental issues, whatever. The fact of the matter is, being human can be a painful experience. None of us escapes without a few bruises of some sort. I understand that. It just seems that some folks suffer more than they should, through no fault of their own.
One of our members is dealing with her husband's physical and mental decline, another's husband has recently undergone prostate surgery, a number of you have lost spouses, more than one is suffering all manner of illnesses that would put me out of the running. That's just the tip of the iceberg. God knows how many people are a paycheck away from financial disaster. Then of course there are the natural disasters; the heat, fires, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, you name it, someone somewhere is going through it.
I sometimes wonder why. Why do these good people have to suffer? It doesn't seem fair. If I had been born in a poverty stricken country in Africa, how much different would my life be? What if I were in Ukraine right now wondering if I would live to see tomorrow? How would I survive in North Korea under a power mad dictator or in Iran with the state dictating which god I should worship?
I'm not facing any of those scenarios, for which I do indeed thank God, but I wonder why the disparity? I had nothing to do with where I was born or who my parents would be. Thankfully I wasn't born in a time when life meant so little that my mother would decide to abort me for one reason or another.
I wonder, if I were God, would I do things differently? Would I, with the wave of my hand, remove the sorrow from a mother who has just lost her child, or give relief to all who called on me in their time of illness? Would I immediately punish those wicked people who prey on innocent children or bring before me the power hungry dictators of the world to answer for their crimes? How would I decide when it was time to call one of my children home, knowing full well that their passing would leave a void? If I had the power to make those changes, what would the end result be? Would everyone live in harmony, enjoying a care free life?
The butterfly needs to struggle to get out of the cocoon in order to have strength to live in the world. In the same way, God has seen fit to allow struggles and sorrow into each of our lives. Somehow He can use it all for good, however painful it might be for us at the time.
When Job was suffering unbelievable trials and his complaints had run their course, he was confronted by the Lord. God spoke to him out of a storm and said: "Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you and you will answer me.Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me if you understand. Who marked off it's dimensions? Surely you know!"
I'm nowhere near the man of integrity that Job was. Were God to question me in a like manner, I would melt into a pool of mush. I can't fix my car, repair my roof, or even write a story without the help of spell check, how much less qualified am I to think that I could fill the shoes of the Almighty? There are things that happen in this world that I don't like. I don't want my family or friends to suffer. I hate the power hungry, greedy politicians of this world. I don't like bullies in any form. I hate that some people go to bed wondering if they will live to see the morning, or perhaps dreading what the morning will bring. I don't want people to be hungry or sick, but I'm limited in what I can do. I can offer my prayers, but they seem so inadequate. I'll vow to help where I can, to try to be a good friend to those in need, whatever that need may be, but I'm not God. For that I think we can all rejoice.
 Recognized |
#21 October 2023 |
I've read the various stories from my Fan Story family and know that many of us are dealing with a number of unpleasant issues. I wish I could reach out and help each one in their time of need. Though prayer may seem to be ineffectual, in reality a sincere prayer has a lot of power to help and heal and lend strength to those in need. It costs nothing but a little time, and there is no limit to the extent of where it can reach.
Pays
one point
and 2 member cents. Artwork by cleo85 at FanArtReview.com
You need to login or register to write reviews. It's quick! We only ask four questions to new members.
© Copyright 2024. T B Botts All rights reserved.
T B Botts has granted FanStory.com, its affiliates and its syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.
