121 – Karen – “I struggle with God killing the innocent animals in the Old Testament.”
“I find myself struggling with my image of God being just and loving when I read of His more severe side, like all of the killing of animals in the Old Covenant.”
Beyond Our Understanding: Trusting God's Goodness Amidst Life's Mysteries
Have you, like Karen, ever wrestled with the "why" questions of the severe side of God in the Bible, or in your own life? Why does God allow suffering? Why do bad things happen to good people? Why did innocent animals have to die in the Old Covenant? Why are there so many things in Scripture that seem difficult to understand? Know that you are not alone in this wrestling. Even after decades of walking with the Lord, there are still many mysteries that stretch beyond my human grasp.
Deuteronomy 29:29 tells us, "The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever," There are some things we are simply not meant to know this side of heaven. It is in these moments that we must choose to lean on faith, trusting in the character of God even when we don't understand His ways.
Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us, "'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the Lord. 'As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.'" We are finite beings trying to comprehend an infinite God. It's natural to have questions, but let us not allow our limited understanding to shake our faith in His goodness.
Like the oatmeal cookies illustration I mentioned in the recording, we were once nothing, brought into existence by the Creator's hand. He has a right to do with His creation as He pleases, and we must humbly accept our place in His grand design. Even in the face of destruction and judgment, if we have a true heaven given faith, we can trust that God is working all things together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
So, when the "why" questions arise, let us turn to the unwavering truth of God's Word, finding comfort in His promises and resting in His sovereign love. He is good, even when we don't understand.
