Have you ever experienced that makes you question in your heart whether God really cares. You have. You question God’s love for you when you lose your job, you wonder if He cares when you don’t achieve your targets or you don’t do well enough in examinations. Some even go further to the realms of stupidity by questioning His existence especially when natural disasters like the Haitian earthquake and the tsunami kill hundreds of thousands of people. Some begin to consciously or may be unconsciously begin to visualize a wicked God when they believe He does exist. This piece is not about whether there is God or not because even known atheists forgetfully thank Him when they survive dangers and for holidays. I have questioned God’s love for me on some occasions but now I know I will never do so again. Not after what I witnessed hours ago.
I learnt a new lesson of faith, strength and trust in God when at a meeting, a young man opted to share his testimony. In circumstances like that you expect the usual God did this and that since all we thank Him for are the things He does not the undone ones. I got the shock of my life, a shock even more significant for the way I see God especially in challenging times. The young man stepped out and said ‘‘I thank God my sister died’’. He loved her, he cared for her, he needed her to be alive and he prayed for her yet she died. He and his family did all they could for her to live but since not everyone can afford to travel to Jeddah like hospitals ala President Yar’ Adua she died of tuberculosis. For him, her death only strengthened his faith in God. He believes that no matter what happens or does not happen to him, God is and will always be who He is. The One to trust, the One to serve and the One to worship . He remains our shield and source of life. Joshua Audu’s faith for me is in the realms of old Papa Abraham. Only a man who not only believes but knows that God makes everything perfect in time would thank The Almighty for the death of a loved one. When next something bad happens to you, gather strength and faith in this man’s story and thank God. What could possibly be worse than losing a loved one ? Nothing changes who God is. He remains The Alpha and The Omega. God knows and cares even when circumstances make it look otherwise. He is love. I share Joshua’s name but now I even want to share his faith. Rest in Peace young Miss Audu.