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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: CONFUSED (07/29/21)
Back when I was in middle school I had a young and charming Sunday school teacher I simply adored. Her name was Laverne and, under her influence, we were encouraged to read the Bible from cover to cover. By that time our class had heard all the popular Old Testament stories like Daniel in the Lion's Den (my favorite) but now it was time to put aside children's stories and view God from a new perspective.

With great enthusiasm, I delved into the book of Genesis and, although I already knew about Adam and Eve's fall into sin, I stopped short when I read about Cain killing Abel. “How can this be?” I asked myself. “Why didn't God stop Cain from killing his brother and send him away from Abel before that happened?” You see, my mother had taught that if we had faith in God he would protect us from evil. Later on I read about God killing men suddenly for what I felt were insufficient reasons. I was confused and deeply troubled.

Because of God's acts of violence which I read about in the Bible, I never equated God with love when I was young. He was someone to be feared. Didn't the Bible itself say “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”? (Psalm 111:10) When another kid asked if God would answer his questions, Laverne replied, “Sure it's OK to question God. You'll never learn anything if you don't. But just don't expect to solve the mystery of his existence. He's a billion times wiser than we are.”

I managed to make it through the Old Testament as I moved into my teens and found the New Testament much more to my liking. Jesus was the epitome of love and kindness and not at all like his fearsome Heavenly Father. But here I found something else to puzzle over. Jesus himself said he was exactly like his father in Heaven and he came to earth to show us the father. (John 14:9-10) And he said this even though God sent his son to die for our sins. Can you imagine how senseless this would seem to a growing teen?

There are a great many things in the scriptures that go against the human mindset and, for this reason, I believe it's important to say a prayer as we open our Bibles each day and ask the Lord to reveal truth to us as we read. And also keep us from passing over things we don't understand. We can't depend on our pastors to do this for us and we can't be sure they have all the answers themselves. And if there is any doubt in our hearts as we reflect upon the character and wisdom of God, it will be pounced upon by Satan who will nourish those doubts and turn them to his advantage.

We live at a time when people are questioning just about everything there is to question. I've heard some incredible stories about the origin of the corona virus and the results of global warming. Emotions are riding high and violence is on the increase throughout America. We're losing control of the border and some aren't taking it seriously. I have even heard Christians say God is responsible for the virus and might destroy the world like He did in Noah's time. Really? What about the rainbow promise? Sometimes I wonder if fear is the absence of reason.

It's time to calm down, get rid of our fears and find solutions to our problems. I believe the answer to almost everything is found in our Bibles. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) This verse has followed me throughout life and I say it over and over to myself whenever disaster strikes. It has kept me from making a lot of mistakes and filled me with that certain peace that passes all understanding. God is in control. Trust only in Him and you won't be sorry
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Avigail David
08/06/21
Thank you. You have spoken and addressed every confusion humanity is experiencing. God has all the answers, indeed. Wisdom from Him and acting upon His wisdom and Instructions is what we all need to not be easily swayed to and fro, confused by the cunning and evil ways of God's enemies.

Thank you! Blessings of peace and grace in this fallen, confused world we live in.
Laura Manley
08/12/21
This is a very well written entry and I enjoyed your comments about the confusion you have experienced over the years. Good writing! God bless!
Laurie Kiel 
08/15/21
An important message about confusion in the world. I loved reading about your Sunday school teacher Laverne. What a treasure she was. And it is so important for middle schoolers to go beyond childish knowledge if Bible stories and internalize God's truth for themselves. It was a wonderful suggestion to recommend we always pray before reading the word.

Good job.