Prayers for Paris (and Lebanon and Baghdad)

“Why does God let bad things happen to good people?” Let me start by telling you the truth: I don’t have the answer to this question. I don’t have the answer to this question because God isn’t right here next to me, sitting on my crumb-covered futon, and answering every random question that’s ever popped into my mind. (Wouldn’t that be nice) However, I do have some thoughts on this issue. Whether you believe in God or not, that’s OK! I just ask that you consider the slightest possibility that what I am about to say is true. Stick with me on this one…

So again, you may or may not believe in God. I completely understand where you’re coming from, sometimes it’s hard to believe in what seems to be impossible. While you can’t see this guy in white robes floating around in the clouds as so many of us picture Him, I think we can all see the brokenness in our world. Let’s test it out just to be sure. Saddam Hussein, the Boston Marathon, Hitler, the Twin Towers, Virginia Tech, Sandy Hook, and Columbine. This is just a list of nouns: random people, various places, and plethora of things. However, because of our vile world, these nouns bring about certain heartbreaking emotions. This world is clearly evil, and these nouns are the result.

So we all understand this earth is messed up. (Another prime example is the fact that Chipotle guacamole is indeed extra, but on to my next point…) Many people are left wondering why a so-called loving God would let such terrible things happen to the people He apparently loves. Again, I don’t know for sure, but I do have a theory.

We are broken people in need of a Savior. Don’t agree with that? That’s OK. Again, just humor me. Let’s say my fifth grade art project just so happens to fall from my desk and shatter upon the ground. The clay pot is definitely broken. However, try as it might, the clay pot cannot put itself back together. Yes, the pieces of the pot are still beautiful, but they aren’t as beautiful as they would be if they were once again a pot. They will remain broken until the creator, who knows exactly what the pot needs, glues it back together. In the midst of this chaos and confusion, we desperately need someone to mend our shattered world.

As Jesus Christ was dying on the cross, He listened as the people down below mocked and ridiculed Him. Luke 23:35 says, “The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at Him. They said, ‘He saved others; let Him save Himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.'” Here He was, a “good” (in this case perfect) person, being wrongfully accused and yet He allowed it to happen. 

But why? Why didn’t the same God who apparently parted the seas, fed the five-thousand, and walked on the water save Himself? He was alive and well three days later; He could have easily done it. I think He knew it had to be done. It had to be done in order to bridge the gap created by sin. This terrible tragedy had to occur in order for good to follow. His death gave us hope. Without it, we are lousy, broken art projects that are left trying to mend ourselves.

So, dear reader, I’m sorry. I’m sorry that this world is so wicked. I’m sorry that the news is filled with heart-breaking stories and innumerable deaths that flood our minds each day. I’m sorry that we hesitate sending our children to school for fear of violent and angry attackers. I’m sorry that when they’re late we immediately assume the worst. I’m sorry that we need to have soldiers across the globe fighting for our country while we wait and wonder if they’ll ever come home. I’m sorry that all of these things have given us a disfigured view of who God is and how He loves us.

But I promise that, just as good came from the biggest injustice this world has ever seen, good will come from this. Yes, I’m praying for Paris, Lebanon, and Baghdad. But I’m specifically praying that this calamity brings about hope for the future and faith in the One who holds it.