WHY ? ? ?
Bob Bauer- from his Friday Faith Builder Internet Series

Franklin Delano Roosevelt said that December 7, 1941 was "a date which will live in infamy." The date on which the Japanese armada attacked Pearl Harbor is seared into the memory of many. Tuesday, September 11, 2001 will, until the day we die, be scorched into the memories of this generation of Americans. Our President said it well, "Today, our nation saw evil...." The unthinkable has happened. The shores of the land of the free and the home of the brave have been breeched by the enemy and we ask, why? Why would individuals from a far away land want to horrifically murder thousands of human beings? How could another human being hate so much as to kill innocent mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters? But maybe most of all, why would a good and loving God allow such suffering?

I cannot give either sense or reason why men hate so much to inflict such misery to others, but perhaps I can offer some reasons why God could allow such suffering. Perhaps God allows such suffering because He does not want this world to become too attractive to us.

There is more to our existence than what we experience this side of the grave (Luke 16:19ff.). If this world was a utopia or Shangri-la, no one would wish to leave it or even prepare for the eternal life with God to come. The tribulations of this life stimulate us to make preparations that we might enjoy the better life to come.

The suffering of this life can remind us we are more than mere animals. The bond between humans is never stronger than it is during times of trial. Watching television, we are presented with instance after instance of great acts of humanity, of sacrifice, of kindness. No longer are we focused only upon our own problems and difficulties but upon the needs of others (Phil. 2:4).

Suffering can be the father of gratitude. God blesses us with every good thing in our lives (James 1:17). However, for many, these blessings are not truly appreciated until they are lost or threatened. Good health is taken for granted until it is lost. Liberties are not fully appreciated until they are threatened. A loved-one or friend is often not truly treasured until they are gone. Suffering helps us to appreciate these wonderful gifts from God.

Suffering can cause us to focus upon spiritual matters. When there is no where else to turn even the most jaded will turn to God. This past week we have continually heard the call for prayers from elected officials, from the media, and even our President quoted the 23rd Psalm on national television and not a peep was heard from the ACLU. During trials we realize we are not self-sufficient and that we need God in our lives. It is in the crucible of suffering that our prayers take on fervency.

From a merely human point of view, the allowance by God of the suffering of innocents seems cruel and unkind. But we must remember that God's ways are not the ways of man (Isa. 55:8,9) and that His focus is upon our eternal destiny and our preparation for it. Suffering can help prepare us for that eternal destiny if we let it.

HURN, Eddie & Renee. . . . . . . . . . ***-****
Bradley, Dustin
P.O. Box ****
""" """"""""""""" """" ""- Auburndale, FL ******
(NOTE: Their new address is reflected in the online directory)

Children's Class
Our youngsters meet each Sunday afternoon at 5:40, before the evening worship, here in the auditorium for a short session of stories and songs. The scheduled teacher for this evening's class is Bob Bauer.

Upcoming Events

Third Sunday Singing
TODAY September 16
N. Jackson Ave., Bartow

Area Gospel Meetings

September 23-27
Fifth Avenue, Bartow