God's Master Plan

                                                                                                                                     

Aloha Dearest Family,

A little while ago a friend of mine played me a song by country artist Luke Bryant called "Drink a Beer." In the song, the singer tells us about finding out about the death of a close friend and he is trying to come to grips with this reality. While contemplating the situation he writes,

 "Funny how the good ones go. Too soon, but the good Lord knows the reasons why I guess. Sometimes the greater plan is kinda hard to understand. Right now it don't make sense. I can't make it all make sense" 

To many people, like the singer in this song, death is somehow a part of God's Master-plan. Sadly, I've heard this viewpoint expressed in many Christian songs as well. For most Christians God's ways and plans are mysterious. This belief is prevalent because the church, for the most part, are ignorant of God's revealed will for mankind. As I have stated in other sharings, the teaching that "God is in control of everything that happens" IS NOT BIBLICAL! God is love. God is always good, always kind, always caring. God does not cause pain, sickness, death or destruction. These are attributes of satan, not God our Father. You and I have seen and read countless stories about horrible, horrible events in people's lives. To teach that this is all part of God's masterplan is showing God in an untruthful light. More than a hundred years ago, Charles Darwin was studying for the seminary and because he could not understand how a good God could also cause death and destruction, he left the church in search of another way. The result was his" theory" of evolution.

A great way to find out what God is really like is to look at His son, Jesus Christ. 

No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared (revealed) Him. (John 1:18) 

Jesus came to reveal his Father to a nation (Israel) that did not know him. Jesus did this by becoming just like his Father, in love, words and actions. Wherever he went Jesus preached God's Word, healed the people and cast out devil spirits. By his love, compassion for people and in demonstration of God's power, Jesus showed the heart of God his Father.

"How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him." (Acts 10:38) Jesus healed all those that were oppressed of the devil, not oppressed by God. God never oppresses anyone.

The main reason why people can't understand God's master plan is because they don't really know what God's Will is. God has revealed His Will in His Word. Another reason is because, unfortunately, they hear this from ministers and pastors in the church. Many teachers in the church still teach that our wonderful Father causes pain, suffering and death to make us stronger Christians. What HOGWASH!! God tells us very clearly in His Word who pulls the strings in our world today. 

"We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one." (I John 5:19 NAS) Could God make it any simpler? 

One verse that people like to quote to prove that God is in control is Romans 8:28,

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." 

This verse might seem to indicate that God does all things for our own good. But if we look at this verse from the NIV translation, it seems to shed a little more light on our understanding.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 

In all things, God works for the good of those that love Him. God knows that we will face tough and challenging times. But for those that love Him, He is working for our good.

Furthermore, if you look at this verse in the context, you will see that it is in reference to praying for our brothers and sisters. When we are praying for each other, then God can go to work on our behalf. Then God can work all things for our good.

The truth of the matter is that God does not cause trouble in our lives. He wants to help us to get through it. He wants us to cast all of our cares upon Him for he cares for us. We can trust in Him at all times for He is working to bring blessings to our lives. 

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

Love Always, Ray