JUNE 22, John 14:27

“Why does God allow war?” Beng asked, after hearing a news report onTV.

“That’s a hard question. It’s one that men have been asking for centuries,” said Dad. “It’s hard to...” He paused as the door opened and Mom came in carrying Trina. Dad jumped up, took the little girl and placed her on the couch. “What did the doctor say?” he asked. “She has a bad throat,” said Mom.” “Dr Tan gave her a shot and this prescription.” She handed Dad a slip of paper. “Could you get these medicines while I fix dinner?”

Beng reached for his sweater. “I’ll go with you,” he said.

When they returned, Dad smiled at Trina, who was very fretful. “I’ll give her a dose of this medicine,” Dad told Mom. “I don’t want it!” Trina wailed. “My throat hurts!”

“This will make your throat feel better,” Dad said gently. He held a spoonful of medicine toward her. Trina hid her face in the pillow. “No! I don’t want it. It’ll make my throat hurt worse.”

“It will make it feel better,” Dad again said patiently. “I can’t swallow,” Trina wailed. “If you can scream and cry like that, you can swallow,” said Dad firmly. “Now take this.” The little girl obeyed, took the medicine and was sleeping soundly soon.

Later that evening, Beng returned to his question. “Why does God allow war, Dad?”

“I think I have an answer now,” said Dad. “Think of war as a sickness caused by sin. When Jesus died on Calvary, this was the prescription, or cure, for sin. God invites all of mankind to trust in Jesus as Saviour and to follow His teachings each day. The doctor’s prescription wouldn’t have done Trina any good if she hadn’t taken it. The prescription that God offers doesn’t help people if they don’t take it by trusting in Jesus. I made Trina take her medicine but the Lord Jesus does not force anyone to accept His prescription.”

Beng nodded. “I get it, because people refuse to follow Jesus’ prescription, there is war.”

Thought: Have you wondered why there is always war in this world?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, although I cannot stop war in the world, I can follow Jesus’ prescription and have peace in my own heart. So even if I have problems at home, I will still be able to enjoy the peace that comes from praying and submitting to the Lord. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.