I asked, “God, why do you allow such suffering in the world?” to which He replied “Why do you?”—Mother Theresa
These words hit me like a ton of bricks in a good way. I have read it before, but it was so good to read it again at this blog post link http://hopechestindia.blogspot.com/ These words shake me out of a way of thinking that is steadily being extracted from my mind. The blog post also shakes me out of focus on my life, needs and daily schedule. It is so easy to see suffering and evil in the world, and allow an overwhelming feeling to take over to the point that I feel like I can’t do anything. Or perhaps feel nothing, and just ignore it. Maybe I am beginning to see that the selfish side of my being likes to have an excuse to check out and pursue comfort. My selfish response is to shrug my shoulders, ignore, forget, do nothing, and be comfortable again…it only makes economic sense, right?
According to the man’s logic: RIGHT!
According to God’s logic: NO! THERE’S A HIGHER WAY!
The bible is full of scriptures that ask us…no…check that…command us to do difficult and counter intuitive things. But He also said He would give us everything we need to do these things! Left to our own power we could not do these things…not very long anyway. Thank God He provides EVERYTHING we need to find ourselves doing those things that He wants to get done…oh and by the way it also pleases Him. 
A recent study of the book of Romans revealed that God is completely in control of everything, and He will get all the praise and glory in the end. He chooses to be patient with evil and evil men…who seem to be the source of a lot of suffering. This is the most merciful and loving response God can give, and it only makes sense from an eternal perspective. Because God desires for all men to find Him, submit to Him as Lord, and be saved.
Thankfully God offers true joy in the midst of our suffering and our neighbor’s suffering, because His ways are true and pure. Part of receiving that joy comes when we choose to trust and obey Him. He loves us, and He told us if we love Him, we will obey His commands.
So how did God instruct us to respond to evil and suffering? I have a favorite verse I believe reveals God’s strategy which He planned in advance for us to do.
Romans 12:21
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
If you feel overwhelmed by this post, I encourage you to let that feeling go, and ask God to turn it into compassion, motivation, action and joy. He is in control, and thankfully He wants us to be part of His work and plan. In my ‘onion’ opinion, it’s the only way to live!
There was another famous quote in the blog post where a lot is said in just a few words…
“Preach the gospel always, if necessary, use words.”—St Francis
