When They Question God's Right to be God - Begging the Question - 246

Have you ever struggled to make sense of tragedy and suffering in a world created by a loving God? The tension between faith and heartbreak lies at the heart of this week's episode of our "Unshaken" series, where we confront one of faith's most challenging questions: Why would God allow pain in the lives of those who love Him?

Through the moving story of 16-year-old Sid Ortis, whose battle with cancer transformed an Alabama community, we explore what happens when faith collides with devastating reality. When an entire neighborhood traded their crimson and white for LSU's purple and gold to support this brave young man, they demonstrated the power of community during life's darkest moments. Yet Sid's eventual passing raises the question that has challenged believers throughout history—why doesn't God heal everyone?

Jumping into the ancient story of Job, we discover a man whose extraordinary faith withstood the loss of everything he held dear. Despite watching his wealth, his servants, and most devastatingly, all ten of his children vanish in a single day, Job's immediate response was worship: "The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised." His journey reveals that questioning God isn't forbidden, but our perspective matters deeply.

The episode unpacks three essential foundations for unshakable faith: believing God is all-powerful (omnipotent), all-knowing (omniscient), and ever-present (omnipresent). These "omni-beliefs" don't eliminate our questions, but they provide a framework for trusting God even when His ways seem beyond comprehension. As Isaiah reminds us, "My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways."

We also confront the sobering reality that something is always competing for our worship. Whether it's career advancement, sports, relationships, or other pursuits, these competitors for our devotion can subtly replace God at the center of our hearts. The warning is clear and profound: "We become what we worship."

For anyone questioning God's goodness in the face of suffering or distracted by competing devotions, this episode offers a compassionate invitation to surrender—not to blind faith, but to a God whose character remains trustworthy even when His ways remain mysterious. Because in the end, true worship isn't about understanding everything; it's about trusting the One who does.