Food for thought...

The Bible describes God as omnipotent & benevolent i.e. that He is all-powerful & well-meaning. but the contradiction that lies there is pain, suffering etc. "Terrible things happen in this world. Human tragedy seems like proof that God could not possibly be both all-powerful & well-meaning. If He loves us & has the power to change our situation He would prevent our pain wouldn't He?"

BUT Would He really?? if we had children of our own, we would give them basic, good advice & then let them go off & make their own mistakes that they can learn from. so although we have the power to interfere & prevent our child's pain, we would choose to show our love by letting him learn his own lessons. cuz pain in part of growing up, its how we learn.

thus, it is the same with God. He loves us & protects us, but not to the extent that He controls every action, every thought. He wants us to learn from our mistakes & grow into stronger pple, not coddle & smother us with His love.

-adapted from Dan Brown's novel: Angels & Demons.