God’s Promises

Wisdom of the Wounded

A note to readers: when we reach out to care for someone who is suffering, conversations may turn to God. Perhaps you will find wisdom in the following words. May it help you care for others.

Confused. Wondering. Questioning: Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people? How can God be an all-loving God and allow horrific things to happen to individuals and whole groups of people?

Even after eight decades of being a Christian, I still have questions, but in 1984 I was given a helpful faith-building gift. The occasion was the funeral of my mother-in-law, Clara Mulder. Her memorial card contained the following poem:

God’s Promises

By Annie Johnson Flint

God hath not promised
Skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways
All our life through;

God hath not promised
Sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow
Peace without pain.

But God hath promised
Strength for the day,
Rest for the labor,
Light for the way,

Grace for the trials,
Help from above,
Unfailing sympathy

Undying love.

That poem answered some of my questions. God doesn’t promise that He will zap our sorrow, pain, disappointment, anguish, or disillusionment. (Remember David, who was appointed King of Israel, but waited for fourteen years before he was crowned, and during those fourteen years he was threatened often with death and wandered as a fugitive in the wilderness for 14 years! We are also told, “That it rains on the just and the unjust.” (Matthew 5:45)

It is good and helpful to remember what God does promise: “I will be with you.” “I will give you strength for the day.” “I will show you how to rest, to have peace.” “I will help you.” “I will show you the next step.” “I will be with you always.” “I love you.”

Ask for these promises, and I believe and know from my experiences that God keeps God’s promises.

Updated 2023

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