Princess’ courage during this hard time was a testament to her faith. Every time she reassured her friends she was ok she would add, “They are only things. At least I’m alive.”

Her words really made me wonder: how many of us are willing to say the same thing after such a catastrophe? How many of us are willing to be satisfied with God’s grace instead of questioning why God would allow good people to suffer…

The Holy Spirit guided me and I sought refuge in Paul’s story in 2 Corinthians 12 to gain a better comprehension of the matter. See, at this time, Paul’s “understanding of the principles of gospel truth was equal to that of ‘the very chiefest apostles,’” (AA 469.1, 2 Corinthians 12:11) and yet “there was given to [him] a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet [him]” (2 Corinthian 12:7). Here is a man who was “caught up to the third heaven,” and, “was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.” (2 Corinthians 12:2, 4) and still the messenger of Satan was allowed to harass and strike him.

After Paul sought the Lord in prayer three times, after he pleaded with the Lord asking that such tribulations “depart from [him]” (2 Corinthians 12:8), God responded saying “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). God didn’t want Paul to exalt himself to high measure and thus lose sight of His Heavenly face. God didn’t want Paul to have “confidence in the flesh” (Philippians 3:3).

So take heed brethren – although God has promised to not give you more than you can bear (1 Corinthian 10:13), bad things will happen. It is during these hard time that we should remember to seek the Lord in prayer and “most gladly therefore will [we] rather glory in [our] infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon [us] (1 Corinthians 12:9).”

“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecution, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10

And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.  – Exodus 32:1 (KJV)

Alas! How quick the children of Israel were to forget the miraculous deeds of God. How quick they were to forget the parting of the Red Sea, the plagues in Egypt, and even the pillars of cloud and fire that guided them in the desert. Alas! How quick the children of Israel were to forget and sought another false idol. How quick they were to surround Aaron demanding something to worship.

In many ways I see the children of Israel in us today. We too are quick to forget the power and gifts of God, one of which is life. We are so quick to forget that we live on His grace and mercy alone (James 4:14-15).

Oh indeed, in many ways I see the children of Israel in us today. We are so quick to forget and build ourselves idols. The modern day golden calf has taken a different form however. Today, the calf is the money that corrupts, the television screen that blinds, the food that disfigures, the job that enslaves and many many more!

The Bible tells us to be on our “guard against all covetousness,” (Luke 12:15). The story of the children of Israel lives on today as a constant reminder that we are bound to sway but we all have a chance if and only if we hold fast to the Word. When others build for themselves idols, we should remember to “not lay up for [y] ourselves on earth…but for [y] ourselves treasures in heaven.”(Matthew 6:19-20)

“Cain came before God with murmuring and infidelity in his heart in regard to the promised sacrifice and the necessity of the sacrificial offerings. His gift expressed no penitence for sin. He felt, as many now feel, that it would be an acknowledgment of weakness to follow the exact plan marked out by God, of trusting his salvation wholly to the atonement of the promised Saviour. He chose the course of self-dependence. He would come in his own merits. He would not bring the lamb, and mingle its blood with his offering, but would present his fruits, the products of his labor. He presented his offering as a favor done to God, through which he expected to secure the divine approval. Cain obeyed in building an altar, obeyed in bringing a sacrifice; but he rendered only a partial obedience. The essential part, the recognition of the need of a Redeemer, was left out.” PP 72.1

It fascinates me at times…the things I like taking into my own hands. My best friend once told me (in confidentiality of course) that I could be a control freak at times. But come on, who doesn’t like wielding the power to control the outcome of any event? Who doesn’t like doing things their way? But is this the attitude that I have when it comes to salvation?

The story of Cain and Abel is oh too familiar to many of us. Two brothers who were both equal, both sinners, and who had both accepted the existence of God, but Cain refused to accept the great principles of redemption. He wanted to receive it on his own merits; by his own hard work.

Cain’s legacy lives on today and we can see it in many of us. The first example that popped up into my mind, after reading Sister White’s passage, was the teaching of indulgence. In Roman Catholic theology, the Catholic Church grants indulgence, the remission of temporal punishment due for sins that have already been forgiven, for specific good works and prayer.

But the “Cain syndrome’s” severity is not only evident in the doctrines of a whole church, but also in the lives of many who go out trying to do good to justify sin.

Now I know, how absurd right? Since when did doing “good” ever become wrong? I remember a story that my Sabbath School teacher once told me about the people who were facing judgment at the end of time. A woman step before our God pleading to see the Heavenly kingdom saying, “I was a singer in your church. I sang every Sabbath,” but she was denied. A man step before our God pleading to see the Heavenly kingdom saying, “I was preacher in your church. I preached your word,” but he too was denied.

Now I am not condemning singing in church or preaching, but we cannot do these deeds expecting them to justify our wrongs and give us redemption. For it is not through our own deeds, nor our own merits that we shall see the Heavenly kingdom, but through His blood and His blood alone.

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is a none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

I fall at your feet now, weak, bruised, and feeling oh so small. I fall at your feet now, knowing I am not worthy but recognizing that it is only with knowledge of your kingdom, your righteousness and your love that I will receive salvation.

So I embark on this journey now oh Father, to seek your kingdom, your righteousness and your love. I hold on to the promise that is if I seek, I will find. I embark on this journey uncertain of where I am going but confident that your will guide me.

I ask now oh Lord, for strength, and wisdom to proclaim your kingdom to others. Teach me through your word to live a better life so others can see your blessings through my life.  Let my words be everything but my word oh Lord. Let them all be you.

I open my heart so you can reside in me. I open my eyes so I can see your blessings clearly. I open my hands to welcome the blessings and pass them on to others.

This is my simple prayer,

Amen.