Dr. Graham’s Top 5 Questions
Dr. Graham's top 5 questions he plans to ask Jesus Christ "face to face" include 2 on the topic of suffering and evil.
Summary - The top 5 questions Billy Graham will ask God when he gets to heaven:
1. Why me, Lord?
2. Why did you allow me to have a part in what you were doing during my lifetime and why did you choose me to preach the Gospel in so many places?
3. Why does God allow suffering ?
4. Why does evil seem to win so often?
5. Why does God love us in spite of all the things we do against Him and the ways we ignore Him?
Commentary:
Isn't it interesting that the Reverend Billy Graham will ask the age old question "Why does God allow suffering"? when he gets to heaven? The bible, God's revelation of Himself to us today, addresses the topic of suffering in every book of the Old and New Testament! ...........................
And still we need to ask the question "Why ????" when we get to heaven?????
Amazing !!!!
Isn't it so like the Reverend Graham to ask a question that truly affects every person who has ever lived or will live- - without regard for race, color or religious affiliation ????
It is so true that God has not revealed nor can man understand all there is to know about suffering or justice from this side of eternity..........
Despite all that is written in His Word on the topic! (See bible verses for a list of a few verses on the topic of suffering - - about 650 - - and the surface has not even been scratched yet!)
Graham will not ask the question "Why" while on the earth because he has read all that is written on suffering and can clearly conclude it is not a question of "Why" but "Who".
There is only one God and He is sovereign over everything that happens in our lives - - both good and bad. Stop and really think about this statement - - it is critical to believe this to be true as the bible so clearly states in many, many verses, including the following:
{Christ} is far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in the one to come. And he puts all things in subjection under his feet…… Eph 1:21-22
Therefore, go to the source with your anxiety and anguish over life's difficulties and seek His comfort that only He can provide. Would you go to an accountant for a toothache? Of course not ! You would go to a dentist - - someone who knows all about problems with teeth. Likewise, in suffering, you must go to one who has suffered! I challenge you, however, not to take your problem to a friend in a similar situation - at least not at first! I challenge you to take your very important problem to the top in prayer- to the only one who can truly help you through it. Jesus Christ has suffered more than any man ever has or ever will. This is not a statement of opinion, but a statement of fact! The facts are these:
One could not even imagine the destruction, evil, suffering, hate and violence that would result if God lifted his sovereign hand from our daily lives for just 1 minute...... Even 30 seconds!!!!!!! It would be utter chaos and destruction! However, God has promised never to leave us! So - - -Why would anyone ever consider turning anywhere else in their time of need? .......pride? anger? stubborness? .............From the beginning of Jesus' earthly ministry where He was tempted by the devil in the desert to the end of His ministry - the crucifixion, the Lord's entire life was filled with suffering. This was God's will for Jesus...and God chose to save the world through the suffering Jesus Christ..... Consider what the Word of God says:
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. Hebrews 2:9-11
If you are suffering, pray to Jesus, because, I promise you, everything else will fall short of satisfying you and nothing else will ultimately work! If you desire to blame God for your difficulties and sufferings, I remind you to also praise Him for ALL of your successes. Jesus Christ is the only answer to your suffering.....He made you, He loves you and He desires you to bring your problems to Him by praying to Him..........
T. Doyle
