One day something terrible happens. Earnest prayers are heard by a loving God. His hand moves. A miracle occurs. And all is well. Another day something terrible happens. Urgent prayers are lifted. But God does not seem to hear. No miracle. No help. Nothing.

Hearts cry out, Why do You help others and not me? Why have You abandoned me?

I've asked these questions. Perhaps not so others can hear, but the words flowed regardless. Hasn't happened to you? Just wait. If such rose from the humanity within Jesus---My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (Matthew 27:46)---they will rise within you, as well.

Chuck, this isn't especially encouraging. You're right...to a point. Here encouragement does not lie in the circumstances, but in how God has shown us to rise up, stand, and overcome them.

Once, walking along the Galilean shore, Jesus shared how Peter would die. The disciple noticed John following them and asked, "What about him?" Jesus replied, If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me. (see John 21:18-23)

This was not an angry rebuke. Jesus loved Peter. He knew his heart and the role he would play in spreading the Gospel throughout the world. So what was Jesus telling him...and us?

Do not compare circumstances. Peter heard about his death and immediately thought of his friend, John. What about him? he asked. But he meant, You've saved others, will You save him?

Jesus did not answer. Rather, He began, If I want... He understood Peter's concern. He loved John, too. Yet a reminder was needed---in all circumstances, Jesus is Lord and answers to no one. The question is never What will You do for him...her...them...me?, but What would You have me do?

Do not ignore the will of God. Peter was an ordinary man. He could be passionate, act rashly, and speak out of turn, all without thinking things through. And often, we do the same.

Peter's question brought one in reply---What is that to you? Jesus did not want Peter to lose his compassion, but temper it with May Your will be done (Mark 6:9). The answer is never My faith depends on what You do, but I have faith that Your will is good, pleasing, and perfect (Romans 12:2).

Do not lose focus in this world. At Jesus' death, Peter's life took a horrible turn. Filled with grief, fear, anger, and doubt, he lost hope. Now, even with Jesus by his side, he worried about the future.

In just three days, Jesus died and suddenly was alive again. Racing from bad news to no news to good news then bad news again, Peter endured an emotional gauntlet. His path was blurred, so Jesus gave him clarity. Follow me. The direction is never I must find a way, but I must follow You.

Pain and suffering can seem unbearable. We beg for a miracle, but it doesn't come. Emotions rise as faith weakens. Why did You not hear me? Why have You left me alone?

Remember Jesus' words on the cross? He was quoting Psalm 22, a passage of hope, even when something terrible happens: For God has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; He has not hidden His face from him but has listened to his cry for help. (v. 24)