Clarence Haynes wrote this interesting article pointing out a few phrases that Christians might say that ultimately just aren’t helpful to anyone. You can read it here.
I’m curious, what are some things you’ve heard Christians say that you would add to this list? A couple that come to my mind that I’ve heard from Christians in response to terrible things happening are, “We live in a fallen world,” and, “It’s a blessing in disguise.”
When I got a cancer diagnosis, I was told “God will use this cancer to show you His will”.
Really??? He couldn’t whisper it in my ear? Tell me in a dream? Have an angel jump out of a cake? He shows me by having me puke my guts out, drop 60 lbs, be too weak to walk and have excruciating joint pain? The comment by our self appointed church prophet was hurtful and untrue.
Hopefully what I say will be helpful @Historyprof : God can use your testimony as an encouragement to other believers. Read 2 Corinthians chapters 1-3. Please don’t dismiss what I say because of my youth.
My issue is what the guy said. It ws inappropriate. I have no doubt God can use the cancer as a testimony.
But your statement is another example of what not to say.
I lost my father to cancer, a couple days after my birthday back in January of this year. Although, I understand that this statement comes from a place of solace and is often intended to provide comfort, I found it to be quite repulsive. “God needed another angel.” or “God had to bring (person) home.”
First of all, when people say that “God needed” someone, this implies that there was divine necessity for my father’s suffering and passing. It suggests that his battle with cancer played a part in a higher purpose or plan. It also suggests that my loving God orchestrated the tragedy for a purpose that is beyond human comprehension, which is kind of disrespectful not only to my father but to God himself. He would never do that. (Job 34:10) clearly states that it is unthinkable for God to act wickedly.
Secondly, the ideology of God needing an extra angel when the Scripture in (Revelation 5:11) mentions “myriads of myriads and thousands upon thousands” suggesting he created many of them to begin with. Obviously, angels are not in short supply. Just the thought of a specific person’s passing is needed to fill a divine quota doesn’t align with the understanding of God’s sovereignty and omnipotence. However, I will continue to forgive the transgressions, mistakes, and errors of others, just as Christ forgives mines. We’re not perfect, but it does still hurts my feelings to hear it leave the lips of others.
I just hate it when people say stuff like that. I like to say:
“The righteous perish,
and no one takes it to heart;
the devout are taken away,
and no one understands
that the righteous are taken away
to be spared from evil.” (Isaiah 57:1).
