What if the proper providential miracle is conspicuously absent?

Proclaiming God’s favor can be a double-edged sword.

I’ve heard the creeping theology of prosperity in the averted tragedies of others. They spill wonder-filled, mystical stories, recounting God’s graciousness in piecing together the impossible jig-saw puzzles of life.

It’s a familiar story. We’ve all heard it:

"My child was sick and hopelessly so. A miracle of providence brought the right doctors around who knew just the right answer. God orchestrated every move, ordained the whole thing- to bring healing, hope and ultimately greater glory. God will bring you an answer in good time."

If you listen carefully, if you follow the logic, you will see it. God’s favor associated with the outcome. Perhaps that’s comfort to the already healed and their families. Perhaps it’s a good story for the Sunday morning meeting. But one man’s salve is another man’s sore.

What if God fails to orchestrate the proper cure at the proper time? What if he stands to the side, seemingly idle- like Lazarus, showing up later to do something bigger than heal the sick man.  What if the innocent always went to the grave? What if we never felt his presence amongst hospital rooms and test results always worsening. What if the proper providential miracle is conspicuously absent? What happens when there are no explanations?  Does that mean that God is absent, that his hand is too short to save?   Does this mean God is not God when the circumstance remains bad?

A word of caution to the would be story tellers: prosperity does not necessarily implicate providence, nor does it always bring comfort. Sometimes, the providence is in the pain.

For the mother whose slept 60 nights in a hospital room questioning if there even is a God and why He won't show up to heal her daughter. For the dad who has no control and fear reigned his heart for far too long.  For them, who had no answers, hope or God orchestrated miracles when their child was sick.... Because for them, they would swear to you that providence came amongst the most unbearable, unimaginable confusion, hurt, frustration, loss and pain.  Amongst the time of utter darkness.  

(Seth Haines)