ON CHRISTIANITY

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: I admit I’m angry at God, because I was born with a physical handicap that’s held me back all my life, and I blame Him for keeping me from leading a normal life. I know some people are worse off, but I’m still bitter. Why shouldn’t I be?

— A.N. DEAR A.N: The most important thing I can tell you is that God understands your feelings — and yet He doesn’t reject you or get angry at you. In fact, God loves you — and once you discover this truth, your life will never be the same.

I hope you won’t dismiss what I just said as mere empty words — for they aren’t. Admittedly I don’t fully understand why some people go through life without serious physical problems, while others (such as yourself) struggle with limitations all your life. But I do know this: God knows what you’re going through, and He wants to help you move beyond your bitterness and anger. The Apostle Paul struggled with persistent physical problems, but God still used him to touch countless lives (see 2 Corinthians 12:8-10).

What can you do? First, face honestly the fact that nothing good ever comes from anger and bitterness. Instead, they will be like a poison to your soul. The Bible says, “See to it … that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many” (Hebrews 12:15).

Then turn to Jesus Christ and by faith open your heart and life to Him. He endured far greater suffering than any of us will ever experience — because He loves us, and wants to come into our lives and change us. In addition, ask God to show you ways you can help others who are handicapped. Job said, “I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame” (Job 29:15).