BY: VS.
I took a Uber the other day. When the car arrived, I opened the door, said hello, and entered. Upon entering, I noticed that he had on 90.1 FM, which is a Christian radio station based out of Chicago. I assumed he was Christian for this reason, and I thought for a moment to ask whether or not he actually was. However, I decided to keep quiet and proceeded to listen to podcasts on my phone with my headphones on.
After about 5 minutes of driving, my driver made the first move.
“Excuse me?”
I replied, “Yes?”
“Can I ask you a question?”
“Sure,” I replied.
He continued, “For some reason, I have a feeling you are Christian. Are you?
A little caught off guard, I replied, “Oh, yes…”
“And so, I want to ask you this question. My friend had a stroke and he can barely speak anymore. He can only move half his body.”
(All the while, as he was speaking, I was wondering how he came to the conclusion that I was Christian. Anyways…)
He continued, “Is it wrong for me to pray to God to either miraculously heal my friend or to just let him die? I cannot bear to see him suffer. I feel like it’s better to die than to go through what he is going through right now.”
I paused and thought about the question for a second. Interesting question, I thought. But more so, it was a loaded question.
After gathering my thoughts for a moment, I replied. I said something along the lines of –
“I’m not God so I can’t speak for Him on whether or not he will love or hate that prayer. However, to me, your prayer seems more of an ultimatum rather than a prayer. It sounds like you’re giving God only two options – either heal him or kill him. However, I think God transcends our logic, our limited knowledge about His ability, and our options. I don’t think you should limit God to just those two options.”
He and I then discussed further about the concept of suffering and what the Bible had to say about it. We talked briefly about the story of Job and how he trusted (although he had many questions…) God despite all of the suffering he endured.
Eventually, I had reached my destination and I told him I would lift him and his friend up in prayer, and I left.
As I was walking away from his car, two questions lingered in my mind-
- Again, how did he know that I was Christian? I hadn’t said a word to him about my faith. (Truthfully, I was a little creeped out…)
- Why do I give advice to others that I don’t follow myself?
Why is it that when others go through various struggles, I quote scripture and give advice, but when I go through my own struggles, I forget scripture and the same advice?
Everybody experiences obstacles. I struggle in my career, relationships, and finances just to name a few. However, I am reminded that I need to live what I preach and actively (and intentionally) remember that God is faithful and sovereign. He has everything under control. And I know I’ll be fine.
I must live what I preach so I can justify preaching what I live.
Isn't Gee So Lovely 