Real Questions from Real Pain

Sometimes I get asked questions that are really hard to answer. The other day I was in Jovil, going to bible study with Ate Flor. We met with three women, and studied the passage of Jesus calming the storm. After asking if they ever felt like Jesus was asleep in their "boat" during a difficult time in their life, the difficult questions came. Are the wealthy closer to God than the poor? Is that why they are blessed with more? Why are there rich and poor people? Why when I pray does my situation stay the same? Is Jesus even in my boat?

What's hardest for me is knowing that I represent the "wealthy" in that room. As I try to answer, I know that I will be going home to a spacious apartment with a full fridge, a toilet that flushes, running water, electricity, and access to anything I need. And yet I try to share that Jesus came for the poor. That the poor are the ones who know they are desperate for a savior. The truth is sin such as greed has caused the inequalities that I see in the world. And Jesus does hear their cry and has blessed them. He has given them a roof over their head, food for most meals, a newborn baby boy that brings joy to their family. So I encouraged them to look for the gifts God has given. But the world is not as it should be. Jesus' kingdom needs to come to Jovil, so that the suffering will end and hope can enter the hearts of those who are struggling. That is my prayer. Please pray with me that his kingdom will come soon.