Learning A Life Lesson From a Little Girl Named Rachel.

This morning at church, our wonderful pastor, David Alexander, gave us a very powerful message about  God and Suffering. It was one of those messages where I was hanging on every word he said. I can't tell you how many times I have been in a discussion with someone, where questions were raised that I felt ill-equipped to answer. Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people? Why are children dying from starvation? Why did my mother die of cancer when she never smoked a day in her life? Why was that young child's life cut short? Why?? Pastor David centered our attention on a verse from Romans.

Romans 8:28
"And we know in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."

God gives us the responsibility over all creation. When you have a world where each human has been given the choice of free will, sometimes things happen that God didn't intend for our lives. Some things we just can't explain, some things are unfair and we want to scream out and say, "Why?" and sometimes there is not an answer. But in those moments of suffering, what are we going to do with it?
" An answer can be an explanation or a response. Sometimes, there is no explanation, but there is always a response." Harold Kushner

The world has so much pain, but it is full of goodness too. That is where the story of a little girl named Rachel comes in. Rachel was a little girl who was moved by an organization called Charity Water. She decided to ask for money for this organization instead of birthday presents. She had a goal, but it was not met by the time her birthday came around. A little over a month ago, Rachel was involved in a car accident and her life was cut short. Please watch this video to see how God made something beautiful out of this family's suffering.

This little girl's story has captured my heart. It inspires me to be a better person, it inspires me to appreciate today and it inspires me to remind myself and others that God is always working for the good, even in the mist of suffering.
If you would like to give to her goal, please follow this link http://mycharitywater.org/p/campaign?campaign_id=16396.

The message today reminded me of one of my most favorite songs. It is "For the Good" by Shane and Shane. Watch this, or listen to the song, hug your family, and say a prayer for the family of Rachel.