My childhood friend and I went shopping Wednesday and we reminisced about the good old days when we were happy children. We talked about everything. One of our fondest memories was at the waterspout standing in line, all the children holding hands waiting to be shocked. The first person in line did not get shocked, but the one on the end did and we would repeat the game over and over until everyone received a shock. Sounds crazy, but as a kid it was so much fun.

Later our conversation became serious and I asked her, “Have you ever been angry with God?” She looked at me for a second and said, yes, I have been angry with God at one time or another. I told her there was a time in my life where I was extremely angry with God and didn’t think I would get past it.

I wasn’t angry because of the death of my son, although that was a gut wrenching blow to my soul. But despite of that loss I knew God was in control and he was going to see my family through the pain and tribulation. The same thing goes for my cancer, I never blamed God, I just figured it was a testimony to let others know that He was a healer and there was nothing too big for Him to handle. No, I was angry with God because of things I did, choices I made, but instead of taking responsibility for those choices, I chose to lay the blame at God’s feet, something a lot of us choose to do.

There are things that take place in our lives that could be avoided if we just give it a little more thought. God speaks to us in various ways to let us know that the decision we are about to make will have consequences in our lives but we choose to ignore it and Him. I was talking to God one day and I said God I am angry with you and I told Him why. One thing about God, He will always listen to you and He is always there when you call on Him. He listened, and I ranted. When I finally finished I felt as if God had spoken to me as clear as day. He said, “Mary, you are angry because of something you did, something that I had no part in; something that I warned you about but you still made the decision to follow through with your choice and now you are laying the blame at my feet. But even though you disobeyed me, have I not still been here for you? Did I not hold you and let you know that everything was going to be all right? Did I not provide a way for you when in your eyes you saw no way?” I held my head in shame because He was right.

1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” We must not blame God for the bad choices we make in life, instead we must turn to Him and know that He will see us through it. The Lord provides us with strength and guidance, we just have to be willing to listen and follow through.

Be blessed in Jesus’ name.

Mary Simmons can be reached at aboxoflovekvd@gmail.com