If God will not coerce, then does God stay removed from human suffering? Does God not intervene as God is described doing in the Old Testament – destroying Sodom and Gomorrah, bringing plagues to Egypt, devouring Elijah’s drenched offering with fire from heaven? Such questions are very logical.

Scripture provides our best answer: God is “the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) If God is ever the same, then God is still a passionate, miracle-working, responsive Good Father! Further, if God was engaged and involved with God’s beloved people in ancient times, then God is still involved and will ever be involved.

What prompts God’s involvement, if God won’t abridge our freedom of choice? Our invitation. “The prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective,” (James 5:16) and God hears and answers our prayers. Miracles are never guaranteed; but God’s capacity to work them IS.

Jesus tells us that “in this world (we) will face trouble” but Jesus encourages us that he himself has “overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Troubles cannot triumph over the promises and presence of Christ.