God Falling Down on the Job?

What would you say God's job description is? Think less of the answer you think you ought to give and pay more attention to what you really believe. If there is a God, what is God supposed to be doing? Lots of people would say that God's job is to make our lives safe, happy, and prosperous. If that's the case, God's falling down on the job a lot, with a lot of people and in a lot of places. So does God just do God's job with those he favors?

I remember a man who deserved blessing from God if anyone did. He was something of a hero among United Methodist pastors in the western portion of our state a half a century ago. His name was Arnold Prater. Where most United Methodist preachers are assigned to a particular church, Arnold's job was to be something called a "Conference Evangelist." He travelled to different churches and communities, leading a week long series of evening gatherings called a "revival." Arnold Prater did this really well. He was a passionate, motivating speaker. He was also a prolific writer. Arnold authored many books, including a book that helped me during a rough time in my life, entitled How to be Happy in an Unhappy World. If anyone deserved a happy, safe, and prosperous life it was Arnold Prater. Surely he would gain God's favor and God would do God's job well for him.

However, in the aforementioned book, Arnold didn't talk about a shower of blessings from God - good health, ministry success, a safe and happy life. His primary vehicle for the book was an account of the very worst, most devastating moment of his existence. He and his wife were robbed at gunpoint in their own home. They were forced to lay face down on the floor, under threat of death, while thieves ransacked their home. They were never more vulnerable. Arnold and his wife were on the brink of losing everything they cherished: precious memorabilia, a future with children and grandchildren, and even their very lives. For as good and faithful a couple as they were, how was this a safe and happy life. How was this hellish moment anything close to enjoying God's protection and blessing? Why wasn't God doing God's job?!?

What do you think? More thoughts on this on Sunday. I'll see you around the next bend in the river.