Paula

Cheryl, as I read your impression with the greatness of God, I also thought of the fact that this God also numbers the hairs on our heads and cares whether a sparrow falls to the ground. Some would try to take away one aspect of God or another, either by denying His holiness or his love, but both are true of God. When all the dust settles from battles in the trenches over various issues, we can always refocus by remembering such seemingly trivial things as the hair on our heads and the sparrows. These simple things silence many proud theologies.

As for your health, I do agree that what we eat has a great effect. But there are also genetic and environmental factors we cannot control. There are many theories about how to optimize health, but in the end we know that we live in a corrupt world and that God will not allow us to suffer beyond His provision for strength. In spite of those “friends of Job” who may try to capitalize on such things, God will repay everyone eventually and bring justice to all. It is always sad to hear of our brothers and sisters in Christ having to suffer, but it reminds us all to count our blessings and sympathize with those who suffer.

And while some may call it escapist, I can think of no better motivation nor higher hope than Jesus’ promised return. It is very, very near! I can practically hear that trumpet blast even as the world braces for global economic collapse and the downfall of civilization as we know it. It is a source of strength the world cannot fathom, a source of hope it cannot quench. Our redemption is at hand and the end of all suffering is upon us.

ThyPeace, thank you for your kind words. “A cheerful heart is good medicine” (Prov. 17:22), and “Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” (Prov. 12:25)