By Anita Mondragon
Do you ever question God about His choices? I sadly admit I do at times.
I look at folks around me who disregard the things of God and dismiss HIM entirely-yet they prosper and live long lives. Then, I observe those that love the Lord and serve Him with fervor, and they struggle with all aspects of life on a daily basis. The wicked live long, but like the old song says-‘only the good die young…’
As I was watching the news this morning, I saw corrupt people in places of high authority. This doctor that seems to be calling all the shots regarding the COVID 19 virus has been exposed! And yes! I had a very unholy thought cross my mind regarding his possible outcome. I actually asked the Lord, out loud no less, ‘why’ He couldn’t go ahead and infect this guy because he is evil personified. Then I added- “That would be justice, Lord!” I almost heard Him answer me audibly with these words-“Yes…but it wouldn’t be mercy!”
So, I sighed deeply and had to agree. I then remembered my own past and the ‘justice’ I deserved from God-but the ‘mercy’ I received instead.
With good, decent friends and loved ones dying around us from this virus, and seemingly the evil ones live on unscathed, I find I have to pray every day and ask God to make me merciful! I find myself praying and asking God to deal with them harshly. I’m kind of like David, when he wrote Psalm 83. Look at verses 15 through 18. Take a look…
“So persecute them with thy tempest, and make them afraid with thy storm. Fill their faces with shame; that they may seek thy name, O Lord. Let them be confounded and troubled for ever; yea, let them be put to shame, and perish:
That men may know that thou, whose name alone is Jehovah, art the most high over all the earth.”
But, then I remember that if these folks that spread such evil in the world today would die without KNOWING Jesus…they will end up in hell for all eternity. That’s when I pray for mercy instead of justice. And, I add, “Lord, forgive me! Give me your heart…make me merciful!”