Questions from children??

Why is it, my oldest daughter wonders, that God allows bad things to happen to some people? That is a tough question to answer. There isn't a very clear cut way to explain this to her and I'm not even sure that I completely understand this myself. I tried to explain that God does not necessarily cause bad things to happen to people, but at times allows it as part of a bigger plan or purpose for that person's life. I reminded her of the verse "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:10-12. This is one of my very favorite verses. I truly believe this as a promise that we have directly from our God. This is what I cling to when I can't explain what is going on in my life or around me in other people's lives that I care so deeply about. God is in control and knows a lot more than little ole me.
In our community group (aka Sunday School) at Double Oak Community Church, we are studying The Shack. This book delves deep into this topic as Mac, the main character questions why God allowed something bad to happen to him. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is ready to ask some pretty big questions about his or her faith. Although very controversial, this book has really helped me to see the Trinity in a completely new way.
But another question that came to mind is why God gives different blessings to each of us. Taylor and I were talking about this just this week. It is certain that we don't deserve any blessing we receive from God, it is a gift. You probably know by now that I am "anti-luck"...I try hard to not even say things like "that was lucky or even good luck". Nothing is about luck! Nothing is happenstance or coincidental. It is all planned and orchestrated...including the blessings...as part of God's individualized plan for our life. I do believe that when you are walking in obedience with God and are in His will for your life, He will pour out His blessings as never before ... which brings to mind another favorite verse. "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the LORD Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it." Ponder that...and I'll get back to you!

Wishing you a blessed weekend!
Cindy