Does God Even Care?

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Galatians 6:9)

For the past 3-to 4 weeks, I have browsed social media to research the consensus of the Christian community regarding our gratitude for God’s love, grace, and mercies. 95% of the comments revealed anxiety, depression, and anger against God. Although it was disheartening to read and listen to their true heartfelt feelings, those who do not desire to suffer expressed their perception of God–He gives us a life of hardship.

Four generations have expressed in various ways that it is just too hard to be a Christian.

Here are the birth years for each generation:

• Gen Z, iGen, or Centennials: Born 1996 – 2015.
• Millennials or Gen Y: Born 1977 – 1995.
• Generation X: Born 1965 – 1976.
• Baby Boomers: Born 1946 – 1964.

Why do we feel that God does not care?

With the never-ending pandemic and its variants and the senseless killing of innocent war victims, we have reached the highest level of death and suffering throughout our world. God has given human beings the intellect and courage to adapt to the most extreme adversity. How did we reach the point that four generations are fed up with the suffering that Jesus warned us about? “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).

We feel that God is asking too much of us: “Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.'” (Matthew 16:24-25)

The Forgotten Promise: “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:1-3).

We lack the desire to study the Scriptures and learn God’s Character: “Jesus answered, ‘You are mistaken because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.'” (Matthew 22:29).

Does God Care?

From studying Genesis chapters 1-3, it is evident that God cares. Eve was deceived by Satan, which led to her disobedience, but Adam’s disobedience was intentional. Like many of us, Adam and Eve refused to accept accountability for their sins against God. Instead of confessing, repenting, and asking for forgiveness, they taught us how to play the blame game.

God’s Tolerance for Disobedience Supersedes Humanity’s Tolerance

Consider an employer’s Disciplinary policies. Usually, there are three levels of discipline for employee infractions. Verbal warnings, two write-ups, and suspension pending investigation are the typical outcomes for breaking rules and codes. Still, there is always a list of infractions that result in immediate termination.

The sins of our first parents had a never-ending domino effect that has impacted everyone who has lived from the Creation to the present [approximately 6,000 years]. We can agree that immediate termination would be the penalty deserved for their transgression.

God Had An Option that He Did Not Take

When Adam and Eve disobeyed, God had the option to destroy them and create another man and woman who would have obeyed. Yet, Jesus agreed [before the creation of humanity] that He would die on the cross for us.

God’s Character: “The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness…” (Exodus 34:6).

A diligent study of the Old Testament reveals a history of humanity’s abject disobedience. Yet, many focus on the punishment that God meted out to the Israelites who never entered the Promised Land, the Flood in Noah’s time, and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Reflecting on the level of wickedness that exists presently, we should thank God every day for His grace and mercies.

Historical Scriptural Documentation of Suffering

Study the life of the Apostle Paul who tells us, “Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked. I spent a night and a day in the open sea. In my frequent journeys, I have been in danger from rivers and from bandits, in danger from my countrymen and from the Gentiles, in danger in the city and in the country, in danger on the sea and among false brothers,…” (2 Corinthians 11:25).

Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still, others had trials of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented—of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. (Hebrews 11:35-38).

Thankfully, none of us have the heavy burdens of the Early Christians. The Apostle Paul who experienced much suffering tells us, “Our suffering is light and temporary and is producing for us an eternal glory that is greater than anything we can imagine.” (2 Corinthians 4:17).

Never Doubt that God Cares For Us

God’s Sacrifice for Humanity: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16).

Because of Jesus, all of our trials, sorrows, and burdens will cease to exist one day. We must take up our cross and remain faithful and steadfast until then.

Yes! Our God Cares!

“The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears; He delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit.” (Psalm 34:17-18)

Prayer: God, we offer You praises of thanksgiving for Your love, grace, and mercies. By the very breath in our bodies, we acknowledge in gratitude that You are the Giver of life. We ask forgiveness for the times that our minds are filled with doubt. Jesus, thank you for Your great sacrifice. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.