Midweek Check-in (April 30, 2025)

Good afternoon, church family!

When it comes to faith, do you have any “Why” questions? I know many do. Usually they sound like this:

• Why do bad things happen to good people?

• Why does God cause (or, at least, allow) suffering and pain?

• Why is evil allowed to exist? 

Can you sense the hurt behind those questions? Rarely are they theoretical. These questions often come out of a time of personal hurt, pain or loss. Those wounds sometimes shape how we see the world. And when that happens, the “why” questions gain a new word: “if”

• If God is just, why do bad things happen to good people?

• If God is loving, why does He cause (or, at least, allow) suffering and pain?

• If God is all-powerful, why is evil allowed to exist?

Can you sense the doubt behind those questions? What we see in the world doesn’t always match up with who we know God to be. So we start to question what we thought we knew about God. 

As believers, what do we do with these very real and valid questions?

I don’t have all the answers. And I would be cautious of anyone who tries to offer simple answers to complex questions. But I think there is some hope and clarity we can gain today.

We know that in the future, all will be set right. 

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more. There will be no mourning, crying, or pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.

-Revelation 21:4

That is a beautiful hope. But it’s also a long-term hope. I’m glad we have what we call a “blessed assurance” for eternity. But what does that mean for those suffering right now? Or those facing injustice or violence or pain today? It’s great to have good set aside for the future, but evil is here right now!

Well, two things to consider: First, before God sets all things right, the work of the Holy Spirit, the Church and all believers is to rescue the lost from such evils and bring them into God’s kingdom. But no one will be forced. We believe that free will allows people to reject God. However, the consequences of such a decision result in the exclusion from all that is good and right and just and holy. God doesn’t want that for anyone, but He will not take away your free will. So as His Spirit, grace and people work to share the good news of Jesus Christ and how to be free of sin and evil, it’s clear that this work takes time.

The Lord isn’t slow to keep his promise, as some think of slowness, but he is patient toward you, not wanting anyone to perish but all to change their hearts and lives.

2 Peter 3:9

So as the darkness of this world lingers, so too does the freeing power of God. And we move closer and closer to the inevitable setting right of all things. Secondly, God also has a short-term answer for those experiencing the brokenness of this world. It's not only the hope of His promises, but His presence with us... now.

For the hurting and lost and wounded and abused and marginalized – God knows. And you are not alone. David knew these feelings and even when his enemies seized him with all manner of evil plans, this is what David proclaimed:

You yourself have kept track of my misery.

Put my tears into your bottle –

Aren’t they on your scroll already?

Psalm 56:8

God knows every tear that falls. And he has a record of them. Even your tears, which aren’t discarded and uncared for in a heartless world – will one day be wiped away. Until then, God knows and is with us. 

So whatever your week may hold – victory, achievement, peace, love, challenge, discipline, failure or shame – know this: God is with you. Whatever “why” or “if” questions you have, God cares for you. And your big questions aren’t too much for a big God.

 God sends his loyal love and faithfulness.

Psalm 57:3b

Jesus was human, tempted and the victim of so much violence, treachery and brokenness. He knows your pain. And He is with you.

Your pastor,

Billy Byler

HELP NEEDED: Our team of volunteers could use some help preparing and serving a meal for the family of Vicki Cardiff this Saturday before the funeral. If you are willing and able to help, please contact Dick Graham.

BAPTISM: We will celebrate the holy sacrament of baptism THIS SUNDAY! If you would like to be baptized, please contact Pastor Billy as soon as possible.

SAVE THE DATE FOR VBS 2025: This summer we’re inviting all kids to Trust Jesus in a Wild World with TRUE NORTH – our Vacation Bible School that will run each evening June 18-20. Be on the lookout for more information as we draw closer to the summer. We’ll have a volunteers’ meeting on May 18.

CHURCH CAMPS: The summer is quickly approaching and that means church camps!

• High school teens need to register by May 23 to join teens from all over Kansas at Camp Table Rock in Missouri June 6-9.

• Kids Camp for boys and girls who just completed 1st-6th grade is July 14-16 at Wheat State Camp in Augusta, KS. Register by June 20.

• Middle school camp is for students who just completed 6th-8th grade and will take place July 17-20 at Wheat State Camp. Registration will open soon.

JUST FOR FUN

Hey, you read Pastor Billy's midweek check-in all the way to the end! As a reward, check out these crazy stories I came across recently:

• The same company that used ancient DNA to produce Mammoth meatballs is now claiming they’ll use dinosaur DNA to make T-Rex leather handbags, which will go on sale later this year.

• About 5,000 people went to a beach in Florida to watch 23 dogs participate in a surfing competition. Sammie, a cross between a chihuahua and a dachshund, won the contest for the second year in a row.

• A woman in Virginia was eating at a Mexican restaurant when a snake fell out of the ceiling and landed in her drink.