Why the Pain?

Charles Babbage (1791-1871) developed a fascination with clocks. He later created one of the first computers in the 1800’s. It consisted of some 2000 parts precisely engineered of brass and steel, and it all worked in motion powered by a crank. This machine, which still works today, marked the beginning of today’s sophisticated computers. Babbage spent decades on his machines and his computer code in which few saw any future value. At first, the British government supported his work, but eventually withdrew the support because they couldn’t see an application.

Eventually, toward the end of his life, Babbage reported that he had never seen a happy day in his entire life. He hated humanity, especially the English government and most of all organ-grinders because they reminded him of his failed project.[1] He never lived to know that his work was the forerunner of the modern computer. When the first computer was built in 1946 at Harvard, it was referred to as the realization of Babbage’s dream.

Though Babbage was a genius beyond his time, he lacked the ability to deal with and understand pain. One of the problems of life is dealing with the disappointments and setbacks and especially pain. One of the greatest dangers for Christians is failing to understand that God has built meaning into every part of life. James wrote some very sobering words about this subject:

James 1:2-4

“Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. 3 You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. 4 So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.”

(THE MESSAGE)

God rarely gives us an explanation of what we are going through, which is what we often feel we most need. He does, however, continue to work in our lives in these challenges that come our way. He is at work in our relationships that extend beyond our few years here—something Babbage couldn’t grasp. For the man or woman of faith, despite what they see or do not see, they believe God is faithful and that he is working. Because of this attitude, they are freed from any bitterness and are allowed to experience God’s providence and provision. They come to know, in time, that God is at work in their lives in obscure ways, bringing meaning to their pain.

---

Duane Schultz & Sydney Schultz, A History of Modern Psychology, 10^th (ed)Wadsworth Cengage Learning, Belmont, CA, 2012. PP. 26-29.

Secure in God

How important is our self-esteem? Pretty important when you consider that many people we meet on a daily basis are very insecure. Maybe you remember the man who kept piling on his exploits so everyone would be impressed or the woman who never let anyone else talk. They were both trying to earn approval from people because of their insecurities. We get most of our security in the first three years of our lives from the loving bond with mom and dad. Something wonderful happens in a child’s life when she realizes that she is loved unconditionally. However, we can only get another part from God. He is our creator, and we long for his affirmation until we are secure in him.

As secure and unconditional as the love we received from our parents is, it can never hold a light to God’s unconditional love for each of us. He loves us despite our faults and shortcomings, and he never changes his love. He loves us even when we are unworthy of his love. When we come to God, no matter what the occasion, he is ready and willing to embrace us with his love.

I play this little game with one of my two-year-old granddaughters: I say, “Are you grandpa’s girl?” She usually answers, “No, I’m grandma’s girl or mommy’s girl.” I respond by saying, “What!” and she giggles. The other night, however, at an outside barbecue she came up to me said, “Grandpa, can I hold you?” I, of course, picked her up and sat her down on my lap, and we had some Cheez-Its together. I asked her, “Whose girl are you?” She responded, “Grandpa’s girl.” I very well knew that the next time grandma or mommy appeared I would be outclassed, but that never kept me from loving my little granddaughter when she asked to be held. Likewise, when we come to God, regardless of the reason, he never questions the motive but extends his loving arms to us. In fact, that is what Jesus said:

Matthew 11:28-30

28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."