Religion, God, and good friends...

I feel that I haven't spoke about my faith enough on my blog....
I know that God loves us, and He cares about our well being. He even cares so much that He sent His Son to take our place because of our sins. The Bible says that He even knows how many hairs we have on our head. Now for the 64,000 question, if He loves us so, then why do we suffer? Why do we hurt? Well, there are many opinions, but what is the real answer? What does the Bible say about it?

The Bible says that disease and pain came into the world when sin entered via Adam & Eve's eating of the forbidden fruit, plain & simple. Ok, some people, including the Pharisees that Jesus always rebuked, say that if you are sick, it's because of sin in your life. Some even say that if you are sick that there has to be a lack of faith on your part. I call baloney on that. I have a friend that has become sick with a disease that I would like to think that doesn't exist, and I tell you, he's one of the most passionate people for the Lord that I have ever known. I am not sure why he is sick, but I know & trust in a God that can heal him, if He so chooses. It's not because of sin, not because of a lack of faith, but just a very bad deal. Believe me, I have been praying probably harder than I ever have in my life these past few weeks. My friend has had four really bad things happen to him in the past year, but has he lost faith in his God? No. Has he questioned why he is going through this dark valley? I am sure he has, and I have as well. Is God mad at us for questioning Him? I don't think so.....I think that He understands our questions and however and whenever He chooses to answer, His reasons will become plain.....