When I am tempted to complain about God's lack of presence, I remind myself that God has much more reason to complain about my lack of presence.
Philip YanceyJesus gave us a model for the work of the church at the Last Supper. While his disciples kept proposing more organization - Hey, let's elect officers, establish hierarchy, set standards of professionalism - Jesus quietly picked up a towel and basin of water and began to wash their feet.
Philip YanceyAny discussion of how pain and suffering fit into God's scheme ultimately leads back to the cross.
Philip YanceyWe are all trophies of God's grace, some more dramatically than others; Jesus came for the sick and not the well, for the sinner and not the righteous. He came to redeem and transform, to make all things new. May you go forth more committed than ever to nourish the souls who you touch, those tender lives who have sustained the enormous assaults of the universe. (pp.88)
Philip Yancey