I think one of the greatest challenges to our faith comes when we have to ask "why", when God allows certain actions which we can't understand or explain.
Covid was a wicked event that caused the death of thousands. Many of those who died were believers, some of whom were in ministry. Why would God take their lives? Dozens of them were my friends whom I miss deeply. Why were they taken?
Then there is the Ukraine War. Puten and his forces murdered thousands of innocent people including many helpless children. Where was God? Why didn't he intervene and stop this murder? Of course, where was God when Hitler and others did the same thing.
As I write this, I remember a close friend who was a minister but God just called him home. And I have four other friends active in ministry who are presently facing very serious illnesses. Why? And why did my brother die early and why did my mother die in an auto accident? Does Jesus care?
Recently we were with a believer who admitted to us that as she views events in the world she is really beginning to wonder if Jesus does care. Our faith is tested.
Frank E. Graeff was a Methodist pastor who served several churches around Philadelphia. It is said that he was a special friend to children and an encouragement to everyone who knew him. Graeff was known by many as the "sunshine minister".
But the sunshine minister also went through some severe testing experiences and resulting periods of despondency. It was while passing through one of these tests that he became very despondent, full of doubt and full of physical agony. Turning to the scriptures for solace and strength he found that I Peter 5:7 spoke to his need. "Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you." This was the inspiration that led him to pen the words of the great hymn "Does Jesus Care?" Each one of the verses of Graeff's hymn asks some intensely personal and important questions, and the answer is always "Oh yes, He cares."
Are you troubled today with the questions "why?" or "does He care?" Remember all the good things our faithful God has done for you and then trust that He does care and is in control
(1) Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth or song,
As the burdens press, and the cares distress
And the way grows weary and long?
Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
(2) Does Jesus care when my way is dark
With a nameless dread and fear?
As the daylight fades into deep night shades,
Does He care enough to be near?
Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
(3) Does Jesus care when I've tried and failed
To resist some temptation strong;
When for my deep grief there is no relief,
Though my tears flow all the night long?
Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
(4) Does Jesus care when I've said "goodbye"
To the dearest on earth to me,
And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks,
Is it aught to Him? Does He see?
Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
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