Perplexities (#223 of 365+)

Yesterday there was a troubling news story about the arrest of a former NFL linebacker for raping an underage girl. Apparently she was a runaway—deceived by a friend who turned into
a “pimp”—and she was beaten and held against her will. She had a black eye prior to being dropped off at the client’s hotel room. After alleged sexual intercourse and a monetary transaction, the pimp and another adult picked her up to take her back to wherever they were staying. She managed to contact her uncle who then called the police.

Her story breaks my heart but, according to Shared Hope International and the U.S. government, that girl’s story is a common one. I used to think human trafficking or child sex trafficking only happened in underdeveloped countries. But there are literally thousands of victims who are enslaved to the illegal sex trade industry here in the United States today. http://sharedhope.org/

I don’t understand why God allows young people, women—or anyone else for that matter—to be victimized. God does not answer my every question nor is he under any obligation to do so. But it’s alright to ask “Why, God?” because then he’ll offer something much better than an explanation. He’ll offer me more of himself.

There was a roller skating craze in the 1970’s when I was only five years old. No one wore protective gear back then so, when I practiced on the sidewalk, I fell hard and really scraped up my knee. I still have the scar from the huge scab I picked off too early before it had a chance to heal completely. The fall was a painful experience but I didn’t need to ask “Why” when it happened. Even if I had asked that question, my parents would have simply continued on the track of offering comfort and healing. That’s all I really needed anyway. The same is true with all of life’s pain. Children of all ages, adults included, need the comfort and healing that can only come from a relationship with God. He continuously offers us the greatest Answer, the best Gift of all… himself. We just need to be willing to receive him.

“He was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed… The Lord laid on him the sins of us all” (Isaiah 53:5-6 NLT)

Abba Father, thank you for being the answer to my every question. May I always run to you instead of away from you when I’m in pain. Amen.