I have been traveling about Europe (primarily Italy) and am absolutely astounded by the vast crush of humanity (especially at heathrow airport). At home in my American suburb, it is easier for me to believe God has everything in control, but some of the very over populated areas that I have seen shake that. The reality of billions of people living, and exponentially those dead, is overwhelming. What does God have planned for them all? I get it that God will bring all to Himself, but what for? Why continue to produce so many people? We seem so insignificant. I feel so insignificant and God so aloof. What is the point of it all? (I only occasionally have access to wifi, so I will check back for a reply--thank you)
I'm not sure what shook you, but I can tell you how I look at things. God being complete in of Himself, I always wondered why make us at all. Then I realized something. God defines Himself as agape love. That is our starting point. Does agape love keep to itself? Does it isolate? While you can't make agape love anymore agape, part of its definition manifests in the sharing of itself. I believe God made us because it was in His nature to create and share of Himself. Should He just make one of us or maybe a few? Where does He stop? Since He has the hairs on each of our heads numbered, how minor of a task is keeping track of billions upons billions? Does He not control trillions of microscopic cells in each of the billions? It should overwhelm your brain because you are human. But, it is a simple task for God.
So, instead of observing the multitudes and allowing it to shake your faith...why not see it as a perfect example of the awesomeness of our God. In the sense of sharing God's agape love...the old verbiage "if one if good, two is better"...if one is good billions upon billions are better.
Shawn's right. It's because we cannot grasp infinite love, infinite God, omniscient God, all-powerful God, etc.
...and we can only guess at his plans :Chinscratch:
What shook me was being pressed in on so many sides that I felt only mob control. Has anyone else felt that? It goes beyond platitudes. No offense intended, but the experience is unnerving.
Dear Deena, I hope you don't mind me writing a word or two about your concerns. I once felt the hubbub too much and so went to live in a meditation centre for a year and half but that was a long time ago.
Where I live, there are no mountains or forests but if there were, I might take a journey over them and look at the wondrous beauty of the sturdy trees that serve a number of purposes and also the pretty flowers as they offer pastel and deep colours and delightful fragrances as a free gift to all, then I would trace their life back to a state of perfection far greater than even these little emblems of God's Love provide. This would tell me many things but one thing it would tell me is that God has everything under His control - His laws and His plans cover everything. God leaves little signs along the way of a pilgrim's journey to mark off the milestones, but a pilgrim's faith is tested and sometimes those tests are severe but please remember then comes the sign. Bless.
PS. Sometimes the fragrance of Jesus comes upon us with strength. Sometimes this fragrance is so strong with sweetness like mead. I just felt I should say that. The people contributing to this forum help discover this sweet fragrance too, the fragrance of Jesus.
Consider that God made a universe containing some 100 BILLION galaxies, each with billions (or maybe Sagans) of stars. Throw in planets, moons, comets, asteroids and all the rest, and you've got a lot of stuff. Unlike Heisenberg, however, God knows where every atom is, where it is going and how fast. Billions of people should not be such a big deal - like the oak in the acorn, we all existed in Adam and Eve. Yes, I have been in the crush of large crowds, and had to push, squeeze and fight my way out.
It has to do with the everlasting covenant with Abraham.
But Abram replied, "O Sovereign Lord, what good are all your blessings when I don't even have a son? Since you've given me no children, Eliezer of Damascus, a servant in my household, will inherit all my wealth. 3 You have given me no descendants of my own, so one of my servants will be my heir."
4 Then the Lord said to him, "No, your servant will not be your heir, for you will have a son of your own who will be your heir." 5 Then the Lord took Abram outside and said to him, "Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That's how many descendants you will have!"
6 And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith.
--Gen 15
So far, two billion and counting...
hi! I think one of the reasons our heavenly Father didn't quit the whole deal at some point (like at Babel Tower) or didn't restore paradise and bring in the Kingdom say, right after Jesus' first advent, is because "He can see the 'end' from the beginning". So can see all who would be born.. how do you decide the cutting off point? Who would be born and who would not.. If He'd quit even 100 years ago, where then would be you and I?
I think the universe (physical but will be of even higher vibration/essence?) is a vast place.. after this issue of good from evil, which is also life from death is proven, why cannot He bring other planets to life? perhaps many.. many..? and we being able to travel..
God bless U !! :smile: :hiya:
p.s - "God is love".. the love you feel for your loved ones.. friends, family, that's Him. He is close to every one of us.. we may have desert times yet even then He is very close to each one of us.. we cannot even fathom how much He loves each one of us, and it is His design that He Himself "indwell" us, fill us.. and fill us to overflowing.. that's the design, even those times we don't feel it, it is still His blueprint, and nothing can stay or prevent His will. All we need do is "rest in Him" patiently waiting for the fulfillment of all His promises. Love Him, is our one commandment. How very blessed we are.. even when we are not directly feeling it..
I can relate to fear of a mob.. I believe this world is headed for much mob troubles.. a quiet life of prayer (& study) for that reason may be just the ticket for some, "going out" when He directs.. Sorry to ramble on so! many blessings!
Quote from: Deena on June 17, 2013, 05:31:06 AM
I have been traveling about Europe (primarily Italy) and am absolutely astounded by the vast crush of humanity (especially at heathrow airport). At home in my American suburb, it is easier for me to believe God has everything in control, but some of the very over populated areas that I have seen shake that. The reality of billions of people living, and exponentially those dead, is overwhelming. What does God have planned for them all? I get it that God will bring all to Himself, but what for? Why continue to produce so many people? We seem so insignificant. I feel so insignificant and God so aloof. What is the point of it all? (I only occasionally have access to wifi, so I will check back for a reply--thank you)
Now imagine how I felt growing up, having been taught ET. Everywhere I went I saw humans as hell-bait. Every scream in an amusement park became a scream in hell. My only haven from this oppression was church, the very institution that taught me to distort God's purpose for humans. I am soooo glad that God has rescued me from the gospel of fear. :dsunny:
You all are right again--He is in control regardless of what it may appear.
Quote from: jbertonbounds on June 18, 2013, 07:58:20 PM
Now imagine how I felt growing up, having been taught ET. Everywhere I went I saw humans as hell-bait. Every scream in an amusement park became a scream in hell. My only haven from this oppression was church, the very institution that taught me to distort God's purpose for humans. I am soooo glad that God has rescued me from the gospel of fear. :dsunny:
amen! it's so wonderful isn't it? ..the truth.. what joy! what peace! Just as Jesus aid.. "that your joy may be FuLL".. how indeed, could our joy be full if so many are headed toward perishing or terribly worse!!!!? Which I first read pointed out here on this forum.. (Tho happily not churched never did believe et or even ed.)
Quote from: marie glen on June 19, 2013, 05:21:23 PM
amen! it's so wonderful isn't it? ..the truth.. what joy! what peace! Just as Jesus aid.. "that your joy may be FuLL".. how indeed, could our joy be full if so many are headed toward perishing or terribly worse!!!!? Which I first read pointed out here on this forum.. (Tho happily not churched never did believe et or even ed.)
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: