Why Lord, why?

Spiteful Cain resented Abel;
longing to be considered best.
In envy Cain slew his brother.
Imagine the parents' distress.
Why Lord, why, must good people suffer so?

The prodigal son struts away
from all he’s ever known;
defiantly disregarding
his dear father’s heart-wrenching moan.
Why Lord, why, must good people suffer so?

Ages ago in Bethlehem,
Did Rachel really have to cry?
Because of one king’s jealous rage;
did those babes really have to die?
Why Lord, why, must good people suffer so?

Today, the trend remains the same,
as brother strives against brother;
destroying family ties and trust
until they forsake one another.
Why Lord, why, must good people suffer so?

A rebellious teen runs away;
sure anything's better than "there".
No rules, no restrictions sure sounds grand.
Her family's pain? She does not care.
Why Lord, why, must good people suffer so?

A unborn babe is denied life
before its first whisper of breath.
Shocked father feels his heart shatter;
the grieving mother longs for death.
Why Lord, why, must good people suffer so?

We put on the armor of God
and against evil seek to stand.
Yet, unfortunate days it seems
that Satan has the upper hand.
Why Lord, why, must good people suffer so?

We do not live in heaven yet;
neither do we inhabit hell.
Demons of darkness fight with Light
and in their battleground we dwell.
That is why good people suffer so.
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Almost since the beginning of time, there has been the question, "Why Lord?"
For equally as long, for some questions, there seems no adequate answer.

Why is a loving Dad taken by death from his adoring daughter?
Why does someone with as brillant a mind as my ex mother-in-law get brain cancer?
Why has alzheimer's taken the memories of a dear family friend, while his helpless wife sits by unrecognized?
Why has the wonderful life of a Christian family I know been torn apart by another's vicious lies and endless gossip?
Even more unbelievably evil in this week's news, why does a parent kill their own child?

Why? Because earth is a battleground between good and evil. Ephesian 6:11-12 warns us of this. "Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

How much plainer can it get than that? The devil roams freely - for now. He wants us to question our faith. Satan wants us to stumble and fall. The more pain he causes us, the happier he is. We must put on the whole armor of God and be prepared for battle; not for a simple walk in the park. No, it is not going to be easy, but God promised never to leave us. He will be a light for us during our most difficult times of darkness.

So, what makes up this armor we need to put on each morning?

Ephesians 6:13-18 "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints."
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Light in my darkness, too many times I start my day totally unprepared. I know I should start my day with prayer and with quiet time spent studying Your word. Instead, I dilly-dally around until I run out of time. Why should I wonder when I get knocked down by the bad events in life. I haven't strengthened myself in faith and trust. Make me more diligent a soldier in Your army, Lord. Make me a prayer warrior before Your throne. In my precious Savior's name I pray. ~ Amen