WHAT ABOUT THE BAD STUFF?

by Bob VerBurg

(Rev: Dec, 2020)

As a Christian, I know all good things are a blessing from God.  But what about the bad things?  Are they also a blessing from God?  Or are they an attack from Satan?  My mental image of God is a heavenly father who, like my parents, wants only blessings of health and peace for His children.  So how do I reconcile that image to the words in James 1:2, “Consider it pure joy whenever I face trials”? 

We can easily imagine the disruption of cancer to both short term and long term goals in life and no one would ever ask God to be challenged in that way.

But for the Christian who faced with a trial, God has a plan.  This past summer I read a book by Dr. Erwin Lutzer called “God’s Devil”  In his book, Dr. Lutzer posits the bad things in life do come from Satan, but only to the extent that God allows it.

Dr. Lutzer gives the following examples:  when Satan touched Job with adversity on two different occasions, it was only after receiving permission from God. 

When Peter’s faith was challenged after he denied knowing Jesus, it was only after Satan asked permission.  In Luke 22:31, we read Jesus’ words, “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked for permission to sift you as wheat.  But I [Jesus] have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail.”  Peter needed that trial to learn to never again be afraid of fear as he spread the gospel.

The apostle Paul was afflicted by a “thorn” in the flesh.  After asking God to remove this three different times, God told Paul he would have to learn to live with it by relying on God’s grace.  But this thorn, as the Bible notes, was a “messenger from Satan.”

So what good can there be in cancer?  

In Brent’s and Sherry’s lives, there has been a growth in faith and this, in turn, heralds an unambiguous testimony and witness to all who know them.  God’s will is being worked, perhaps not in the way Brent would choose, but nevertheless, God is using Brent and Sherry.

Children learn from observing their parents and Brent’s and Sherry’s kids are learning to deepen their faith just as their parents are.  To what end is not known, but God has an amazing mission for one of their kids – perhaps more.  This mission may be one that requires an unwavering faith in God that no matter what, their only allegiance and comfort is to their faith in God.

Christianity is all about community and in the past year, there has been an outpouring of Christian love.  Brent’s employer, for example, is putting their corporate values into real-life practice and in doing so, bringing honor to God.  And their leadership here is, in turn, inspiring others, like Jeremy Kok, to also come forward.  https://vbcarepage.com/the-extra-christian/

Brent’s cancer has a unifying effect on our church family at Hillside.  Whenever I see a Hillside member in the community (like at Meijer), their first question is about Brent.

And Brent’s trial is allowing all those who know him to put into practice their own Christian faith by meeting Brent’s and Sherry’s needs through their emotional and spiritual support.

When a Christian brother or sister needs help with their spiritual trial, James explains it is our job to help them.  James tells us that faith and deeds go together.  He tells us, “What good is your faith if you simply say go in peace and stay well, but don’t do anything about your brother’s physical needs”?  (adapted from James 2:16).

It’s ok to pray that God allows this cup to pass, just as Jesus did just be He was betrayed and arrested.  But if God’s answer is no, then Paul’s prayer becomes vital – that God gives you the strength and grace to embrace your trial.  And it becomes the duty of the community of Christians to come alongside their friend in trial and offer spiritual and physical support.

Returning to the story of Job: there are some important lessons that Christians can glean.  First, there are no surprises to God.  A diagnosis or disability may be a surprise and shock to you, but with God, this event was both known and planned before you were even born.

Second, God knows you are human so He knows your physical breaking point and your spiritual breaking point.  Like Job,  you may be pushed beyond your physical breaking point, but never beyond your spiritual breaking point.

And third, Brent’s trial is a test of your faith as well.  Initially, Job’s friends did a great job of meeting his physical, emotional and spiritual needs, but in short order, they failed.  When your spiritual faith is pushed and tested, it is the job of the community of Christians to quickly step up and offer spiritual, emotional and physical support.  In the end, Job’s friends failed at this and God’s anger toward them is evident in the story.

So how can you meet Brent’s physical needs?  Can you mail him a note of encouragement with a Speedway gas card?  Can you mail a Meijer gift card to Sherry or call her to ask when you can bring in a meal for the family?  When he’s hospitalized, (and you are healthy and feeling well), can you stop in and sit and talk for a while?  Whatever you do, it will be to the honor and glory of God.  You will be doing what Job’s friends failed to do. 

Your ministry of support is what God expects.  God’s wonderful plan for Brent and Sherry is being worked in ways no one can imagine.  This is in the way that God’s thoughts are higher than our thoughts and His ways different than our ways.  What seems to be an unfortunate turn of events will bring honor to Brent and Sherry, a blessing to you, and amazement of God’s wonderful and amazing plan for all of us.  Your financial support via the GoFundMe account will bring honor to God’s wonderful plan.