Never Alone

One of the topics in Sunday school today was whether it makes us uncomfortable to be around those we consider to be faithful believers who are suffering from tragedy because it makes us question the idea that the faithful are protected by God from hardship.

Well, no. I might be uncomfortable around those who are suffering because I don't know what to say, but not for the reason in the question. I don't believe that God protects us from harm because of our faith.

Thinking about it today in class, I can see how a reading of the Old Testament could be interpreted that way. The idea of delivery from enemies and protection from harm appears pretty often.

But, we are people of the New Testament. Our understanding of the covenant and of God has matured. We are a people who know that suffering is a part of life, even a part of a Christian's life. Christ himself suffered torture, pain and death. Paul the same. How can we even consider that we might have some protection from the awful things of life?

What we have been promised is that whatever happens, we are never alone.