Eleven murdered in a Pennsylvania synagogue. Seventeen die in hurricane Michael. Newly weds die in a helicopter crash while leaving their wedding reception. So much tragedy. So many "whys?" asked. There are no easy answers, much less comforting ones. While we search the heavens for the reasons to seemingly senseless tragedy, just as unfathomable is why does God allow so many to prosper.
This morning I was struck with the countless blessings in my life. Career, family, health, financial security. Why?
Why did God allow my to be raised in a Christian home with two loving parents when other children were raised in alcoholic homes with abusive parents? Why was I allowed to drive home safely from bars after too many drinks when others ended up in traffic fatalities? Why has God allowed my mistakes to always work themselves out when the same choices by others have ended in ruin?
I have read some about survivors guilt. It is a feeling of guilt many people feel when they have survived a life-threatening situation and others have not. Irritability, insomnia, flashbacks are just some of the symptoms people suffer who are experiencing survivors. Survivor guilt was first documented and discussed after the Holocaust and today is recognized as a symptom of PTSD.
I am in no way equating my experience to those of people who have survived war, terrorists, plane crashes, and mass shootings. I cannot imagine what it would be like to live through the horrors that are a part of so many people's lives.
But when I examine my life of undeserved blessings, I am left wondering why did God allow me to survive my bad choices and horrendous decisions. That is a question that may not have an answer this side of heaven, but what I do know is that my God is not random. Nothing is out of his control and he must have had good reasons.
While the "why" may remain hidden, I know that since God has blessed and protected my life, I owe him my time and talents. He has saved me for a reason(s). Everything I have is a gift from him. My responsibility is to spend every day in service to him and the furtherance of his kingdom here on earth.
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