Why?

Everyone asks this question at some point. And it's probably the most difficult question out there to answer. It comes in many forms. Why do people suffer? Why is there so much pain and hurt in life? Why is there no cure? Why wasn't I healed? All of these questions can be summed up in one ultimate question. Why do bad things happen?

Nothing I say here is new. Entire books have been written on this last question. But I am going to confidently present you with this truth in the form of my personal experience.

Recently, an atheist asked me why I give credit to God if it clearly didn't work for me and I wasn't healed.

No. I wasn't healed of my scoliosis. Yes. I went through extreme pain with surgery. I faced many disappointments. I had to give up some things to have this surgery. Even after praying for God's healing. So, why?

The fact that God didn't heal me doesn't prove His non-existence. In fact, quite the opposite. It's only because of God's love for me that He allowed me to go through this. Because of this surgery, I'm a much stronger person. I have found a new love for volunteer work at local charities, as well as hosting fundraisers for them. I love reaching out to hurting patients and their families through music. I have been able to help hundreds of people going through spinal fusions through my blog and YouTube video. My perspective has changed. God has changed me for the better through this surgery. And honestly, I wouldn't be who I am, or even where I am, today without having gone through this. 

But the ultimate truth is this. The most horrific and painful experiences on this earth are nothing compared to what we deserve. Because every single one of us have sinned, we deserve nothing short of hell. There's no room for sin in heaven-- a perfect place. But that's where God's love comes in. He loves us so much that, despite knowing how sinful we are, He gave up His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for us, paying the price for us. But He rose from the dead and lives today, calling sinners to accept His offer of grace. And now those who turn from their sin and trust in Christ alone possess hope and satisfaction that comes from nowhere else.

When I remember that, I have nothing but joy and thankfulness. Not only does God love me enough to give up everything for me, but He also carefully and beautifully plans my life-- spinal fusion included-- to mold me into the person He wants me to be. 

So instead of asking why bad things happen, reflect on what we truly deserve, and then we see God's love and goodness.