Just the Right Heat

I must confess that I am about to “bite off more than I can chew” in today’s devotional. However, I have been pondering an age-old question more than usual for the past few months and wanted to share some of the conclusions I have reached. First, I must be very clear that I do not have an answer. I still don’t have an adequate response to the “why,” although I may have some insight into the “what” of the level of suffering God allows His children to endure.

By now I’m sure you’ve guessed that the question does indeed deal with why God allows some folks to suffer more than others. Entire bookshelves have been devoted to texts attempting to answer this question. I know in this brief text I can never give adequate space to a full explanation, however, perhaps I can give you one insight that has given me some comfort in dealing with it. It centers on a truth that the Apostle Paul reveals in the following verses:

So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. (1 Corinthians 10:12-13 NIV).

I am aware that this text references “temptation” and not “trials.” However, the principle is that God is faithful. That faithfulness results in His personal oversight to disallow anything that we are strong enough to deal with. He provides “a way out.” With that in mind, shift to trials. Why do some folks go through more pain and suffering than others? And, in asking this question, I am not talking about those who have made bad choices and are suffering under the consequences of those choices. I’m talking about the suffering that just happens, often blind-siding us. Why does God allow that to happen more to some than others? For example, why does God allow one person to be healed and not another from a devastating illness?

Well, a part of the answer may be in the kind of “pot” he is creating as the ultimate Potter. Do you know that the final temperature of the firing of the pottery is critical? Each pot needs to get enough heat to make the glaze the correct color. I am told that a variance of just 20 to 40 degrees in 2300 degrees Fahrenheit can make all the difference. If the kiln is too cool the glaze will not be pretty and if too hot it may run. Further, firing your pottery with a temperature that is too low can result in a pottery piece that is too soft and can end up getting damaged. If you fire the bisque at too high of a temperature you can end up getting a piece that is cracked or even have your piece explode. It needs just the right heat! So, let me say two things in closing. First, God is not responsible for disease and death. They are caused by the sin in the world. We live in an imperfect world that he will change someday, but has yet to be perfected. We get sick and die because of the evil brought into the world by man’s fall. Second, while God doesn’t cause it, He can use it. He uses it to make something altogether beautiful and lovely with our lives. And, He knows just the right amount of heat to allow us to endure. That knowledge makes it a little easier for me to trust him with the thermostat! I pray it does you as well!