Occam’s razor is the principle that simple explanations and theories are preferable to the more complex.
In the life of faith when daily realities overwhelm and questions abound, an Occam’s razor approach would be to face the unknown with that which we know. In times of tragedy, in walks through the valley of the shadow, when questions are unanswerable, this is what I know:
Many things happen that are neither good nor intended by God. Evil abounds. The consequences of our wrong choices continue the legacy of brokenness that began with Adam and Eve. God will work good through the most terrible situations for those who love God. There are no limits to God’s ability to redeem. The spiritual journey through difficult times can take on the character of an adventure as we anticipate the amazing work of God against all odds! In the midst of trying times, the important question is not, “Why?” but “What for?”
I know the character of God. God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounds in rich love. This verse appears in scripture at least 4 times. It seems to be a significant indication of the nature of God. Consistently, God is more merciful than people wish God to be! Note the full paycheck awarded to the workers who arrived at quitting time! Note the party thrown for the son who wasted his inheritance on loose living! Note the woman caught in adultery and released from the death penalty which was her due, according to the law of the day. God’s goodness is consistently offensive!
I know that we are part of Christ’s body. The operative word is part. There are times when there is not enough light to see by, we feel distant from God, we cannot pray. It is OK. Other parts of the body pray for us when we cannot pray for ourselves.
