christian@topaz.UUCP (04/15/87)
Hi, 4/14/87 A reality of life that I have great difficulty accepting and dealing with is pain and suffering: - why are people born with handicaps? - physical - mental - why do some people suffer so much: - cancers and infections leading to death or physical loss - diseases (MS, MD, Aids, etc.) - torture (ex.: South American countries) - people of all ages dieing due to lack of food, water and medical care (ex.: Africa) - why must a child learn to walk by falling down and often bumping and hurting him/herself? In a nutshell - why is pain a part of life? I know the Scriptures tell us that toil and death entered the world thru the Original Sin of Adam and Eve (Book of Genisis). Also, that God has a plan for each of us which may include pain and suffering (Book of Job). And that God works all things to the good for those who believe in Him (Romans 8:28). But sometimes the pain I see others go thru, especially those who committed no wrongs, like children or the mentally handicapped, or the pain I go thru at times, either physical or mental, really gets me down. Faith hits a low ebb at these times, and it is hard to see a loving God. How do you deal with these questions? How does God work thru them in your life? What are your answers and where do they lead you? God Bless, Mike Andrews (PTL)