Pastor Geraldo Alonso, II

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, NIV)

Why do bad things happen in the world?
Why do bad things happen when we least expect them?
Where is God in all of this?
Why are we supposed to praise God in all things?

William Barclay said the following of the struggles we face as Christians:
“Sometimes there falls upon the human spirit the burden and the mystery of this unintelligible world. In the early years of Christianity, those who chose to become Christians chose to face trouble. This might well result in abandonment by their own family, hostility from their pagan neighbors, and persecution from the official powers” (The Letters to the Corinthians).

When we become Christians we are not promised a life of ease. We are however promised a life coupled with the Spirit of God. Jesus told His disciples that after He returned to His Father that the Holy Spirit would come to us to help us. “He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you” (John 14:17-18, NLT).

This week one of our elders will be sharing God’s word. Abel Rios will be exploring why bad things happen and the big promises that God has for us. The promise of not forgetting us and the promise to help us through the challenges that come our way. As we go through God’s word this week think about the challenges you face and know that God has not left you abandoned.

For this reason we can do just as Paul suggests—praise in all things. Let us praise our God because He comforts us in troubles. Let us praise Him because we not orphans! In God we will make it through all things. AMEN!