When God Doesn't Make SenseSample

Dangerous Theology

C.S. Lewis, the well-known author and theologian wrote, “We are not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be.” Ouch, that already hurts.

Think back to what we learned about the word “comfort” as “together-strength.” If God’s comfort is His strong company, then a difficult situation can be something we face with the powerful and loving comfort of God’s presence. In fact, it’s hard to see it this way, but the situation itself could at times be God’s strength for us. Read that last sentence again until it hits you.

It’s dangerous theology to describe every difficulty as something God intended to make us grow, but it’s equally risky to say that God never puts us through a test to strengthen us. The knowledge that His strength is with us, and that we can come out stronger, holds in it the power to separate us from our need to know, “God, how could you let this happen?” In other words, when God doesn’t make sense, maybe it’s okay. Maybe it’s enough to know He’s Immanuel, God With Us, and He has the power to turn what’s hard for us into what’s good for us.

Celebrate: Think about all the struggles you’ve faced. Look back and remember how they’ve built your character, perseverance, and faith. Find a way to thank God for it all.