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Why does it happen? (Really)

Today I read in Alma about Alma and Amulek's experience with the apostate people in the city of Ammonihah. After some discussion, there were a few who were righteous and who believed the words of Alma and Amulek and began to repent. The men were chased off, their wives and children were burned.

Alma and Amulek were brought to the place and forced to watch the slaughter.

Amulek couldn't bear to watch and asked if they ought not to stretch out their hands using the power of God to halt the torture. But the Spirit told Alma that he should not do it. The reasons he gave were that, 1. God received the righteous to Himself in glory; and, 2. that the judgments of God which were shortly to come upon the people living in Ammonihah would be justified by their evil actions.

It is difficult for me to understand this. I think it is difficult for anyone to understand why people must suffer, even die. It seems so unfair, so absolutely wrong. Those of us who genuinely want to do what is right - why are even we made to suffer? Why doesn't God do something about it?

I've discussed this before.

I think the point is that God could intervene if He wanted to - if it were in the best interest of those who suffer. Surely He has a plan for our lives. Although we may not be able to see or understand all of His purposes, that does not mean that they do not exist.

Death is a natural part of life. Sickness, pain, suffering - they all fit in to the experiences we are to have while here on earth. It does not mean that God does not care for us - quite the contrary. It means He desires us to have the experiences necessary to refine our souls, teach us patience, humility, and compassion, and to make us worthy to become inheritors with Christ. There is so much to learn, so much to know. Perhaps by the things we suffer we learn more about what Christ suffered for us - for me and for my sins.

The people of Ammonihah did not have to burn the righteous. There was no one compelling them to do it. Yet they did and the destruction that came upon them was justified. If they had repented they would have been spared.

So sometimes the suffering that takes place is justified. Sometimes it is a natural consequence of transgression. Personally, I am grateful for the correction I receive from the Lord. It means He has not given up on me yet - that He wants me to learn and grow and has confidence that I can.

I just hope I can.

Comments

Kristina said…
You and Me both, brother.
April 8, 2011 at 12:38 PM
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