I Peter 1:3-7 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,”
Dear Readers, How many times have you found yourself asking, “Why me, God?” Now, that question is a double-sided coin. You see, sometimes we ask that question out of gratitude and that is the only time we should. It’s okay to ask that question if we are doing so with praise. For instance, if we receive some wonderful blessing – of course, all blessings are wonderful – and we say “God, thank you Father; but why me, Lord? I am not worthy.” That’s proper. That is being humble. Now, on the flip side of that coin, there are the times when we face great trials and during those times we say, “God, why me? What did I do to You to deserve this?” When you put it in that context, you’re not being humble. You’re being haughty and prideful. When we feel that way, we need to ask ourselves, “Why not me?”
I am now on my sixtieth day of solitary confinement. I am being held here because the prison administration believes that there are threats to my physical safety in population. I told them that I do not fear those threats and that my God will protect me and that if something should happen to me, then it must be His will, so let it be. I do not fear death; for death cannot touch me. I will not die spiritually. Rather, my soul shall return to it’s Creator. Amen! I said, “Send me out there and let the chips fall where they may. I am tired of being locked in a cage 23 hours a day. But, most of all, I need more than ten minutes a week to speak to my family on the phone. I am also tired of not being able to fellowship with my brothers and sisters in Christ. Those things are a threat to my mental stability; for they are hurtful.” My cries have fallen on deaf ears. Week after week they tell me, “We will see what we can do.” They’ve told me that they may transfer me to another facility outside of Maine, but they say that it might take more than a year, maybe much more. Thus, I am to remain in solitary indefinitely.
Now, my faith in God is strong, but like any Christian, I have my moments of doubt, although they are few and far between. I have found myself saying, “Why, God? I understand you are testing me, but why must my family suffer?” I feel guilty for questioning God; for such is arrogance. I mean really, who are we to question the Father of all creation? Thus, I have repented for doing so. Blind faith is not always easy, but it is necessary if you follow the Lord. God has a plan for me. I know not all that it entails, but I am sure that it is true. This is a mighty trial, indeed. I must depend on the Lord and trust Him if I am to retain my sanity, humanity and humility. I have witnessed many men – who have been down in this hole far longer than I – become animals. There is so little human contact that they lose their minds. I vow that I shall overcome. Not of my own accord, but by the power of Jesus. I thank all of you for your prayers. They are a great comfort to me. I thank those who write me and encourage me. I am grateful to God for all of you. There are those who take comfort in my suffering and I thank you, too. Your hate strengthens my resolve.
When you face trials and tribulations, be grateful and thankful. Ask God for strength. Ask your brothers and sisters to pray for you. You shall not suffer forever. “Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King.” And on that day, we shall rejoice from then until infinity. No more pain, no more hurt, no more tears – only love, joy and peace for all time. My friends, there is a light at the end of this dark tunnel we are in. Amen! Hallelujah! Praise God! We will know victory. In God’s name we will triumph. Yes, we will! Shout “Amen” if you feel me!!! There is no defeat in Jesus. Praise His Name!! So, be strong, be hopeful, be committed and faithful. Trust in God! I love you, my brothers and sisters. One day we shall all be together in Heaven.
Romans 8:28-34 “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.”
May God Bless and Keep You! May you remain hopeful and humble at all times! May you learn to trust in Jesus! Amen!
Love in Christ,
Randall
(A man whose faith is in God!… even when he struggles.)