by Susie M. Arviso

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Bad things don't merely happen to just good people, they happen to all people. Life can have her share of beautiful and cherished times, but life is also a catalyst for problems. It can be very hard. It can be unfair. It doesn't devote itself to making us happy. It isn't particular about who gets to see its' bad side. Jesus even promised that we would have tribulations in this world. So it's not as if it should be a surprise. When we think about it, no one is exempt from experiencing the negatives of life.

We know there is an ongoing wrestling match between good and evil. Humans are errant, fallible and capable of sinking to the lowest, common denominator. The scriptures tell us we are all sinners, that there is "none righteous". Man knows that he is far from perfect. Bad things happen because of the darkness in man.

When God created the physical earth, it says in Genesis that "darkness" was in it. That word 'darkness' in the original language means: "hid in darkness, misery, adversity, destruction, death, ignorance, sadness and wickedness". Man's physical body or earthen vessel is made from the "dust of the earth." Darkness was in the flesh of man after God formed his physical body. Yet Adam and Eve were innocent of sin. Let me explain ...

They started out in good fellowship with God. They walked and talked with Him and everything was wonderful. It wasn't until they disobeyed God that the darkness (and its' components) were unleashed, the "beast nature" ushered in, making them unfit for good fellowship with God. They "left the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness." (Pr. 2:13)  People still do it today. Quite rampantly I would say. God gave man dominion over all the earth, including his earthen vessel. Yet when man chose to disobey, he used his "dominion" for evil-making himself a servant of Satan.

To this day, we are all born in this condition with this propensity. Which is why we need to be "born again". Spiritually reborn. Either way, man has the ability to choose good or evil. God described the earth as Satan's domain. The "serpent", (Satan speaking to our minds) provokes choice, enticing a bad one. If we aren't in good fellowship with God, the odds of making bad choices skyrockets.

Just in my lifetime, alone, I've watched the darkness of man become darker and more rampant and prevalent. Darkness is spreading through humanity like rot spreads through an apple. Corruption, insanity, decay of morals have permeated into humanity so much so, that the day has arrived when man is calling evil-good, and good-evil. What used to be considered sinful and evil is now become sympathetically embraced and endorsed by many who's consciences have bean seared by choice. .

As long as we live on this earth, and in  this world, bad things will happen. The scriptures tell us that it's random, by "time and chance". (Ec. 9:11). The bad things of life do not single-out good people. As long as we live on this earth in our physical lives, bad things can happen to anyone. We weren't promised a "Rose Garden". We were promised by Jesus Himself - "tribulations."

Yet good things happen as well. I think our planet is indescribably beautiful, wonderful, awesome, and life is a precious gift and a treasure. So the question should be: "When do bad things stop happening to all people?" That's yet another story that won't happen until Christ returns. Yet Jesus is working out His plans for man even as you read this. It won't always be this way. We also need to know that even though we might view physical death or tragedy as overwhelming or intimidating, God is not intimidated, nor does a soul stop living.

Remember the old song: "He's Got The Whole World In His Hands?" He really does. We don't need to question God's intentions according to what we see, or wonder "why" things occur. We need to offer our worship and praise to the God of all that we love, who plans to give a good ending to those who trust in and regard Him. He loves us. He really does.

by Susie M. Arviso

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The past doesn't have to be a curse It can be recycled as a motivator. It doesn't have to put us in the "damaged goods" pile. It can be the springboard for victory & freedom. You don't believe this? You think the traumas you've suffered- have doomed you? You don't see yourself rising above the past? You see all the "defects", and have given up on even trying anymore?

Hello! My name is Susie, and I am the mother of trauma. "Trauma Mama". I'm telling you when you reach the end of yourself, it's only the beginning. I'm telling you that when you've given up, there is someone who hasn't given up on you. He sees your value, and the jewel of a person you are at heart. He isn't looking at the outward appearances, like we do. He looks straight into the heart at our potential in Him.
 

When you quit, and admit you can't change yourself, He can pick up from there. And you can cooperate. 

If you've invited Jesus into your life, know that it's not a fan club you joined. It's the precursor for a relationship. A relationship with Christ is not a last resort.. We've witnessed the best we could do- without His help. We see the results of our own efforts, and the damage we can do to ourselves, the impotent ways we try to fix things. We see our labels...addictive personality, limited, loser, mentally ill, inept, the best we will ever be, a lonely jerk, as good as it gets, etc... and we let these labels remain when we have Jesus.

Anyone who chooses to use their own remedies & strength outside of God, are limiting themselves, and subject to fail. We find ways to make ourselves feel good and have relief, while missing out on the greatest relationship we'll ever know. The goal isn't to "mask" the existing weaknesses and limitations, or to perpetually drug ourselves from the issues that plague us, but to become victorious and free from them entirely. That's what God wants for us, and will help us to do just that. The goal is to "overcome" and be healed of our weaknesses and limitations. To be rebuilt from the inside-out by a perfect, master builder, in personal relationship with Him.

It isn't a surprise that the scriptures refer to man in his own strength- as inept. It isn't weakness to admit we need God, it is the smartest thing we will ever do. Guess what? When we get sick enough of our own lives the way they are...suddenly, God begins to look better and better, and all our fears and hesitant thinking falls to the ground. Yet, we shouldn't wait until then, because life has surprises of it's own.

I'm talking to those who made a commitment to Him, but haven't allowed Him to take you where He wants to-to become victorious over your own weaknesses and faults, and healed in your minds. Your trust in anyone outside yourself is damaged, and you are trapped in a mind that thinks it must keep some level of control over yours life, for fear of facing fierce "giants". Give it to God.

Using escapes, and medicating ourselves actually keep us from the most exciting and wonderful journey which leads us into victory over ourselves & in praise of God-the ultimate, righteous opiate. Truly "feeling good," comes upon the embarking of this journey with your God, towards victory, and it's permanent, with no "relapses." Psychiatrists, therapists, medications and self-strength can only take us so far.


It takes little guts or courage to do a "patch" job on ourselves. There's no assurance in it. It's like patching holes in the lining of a swimming pool. It's dependent on the patch, and patches aren't full-proof or permanent. But allowing God to get involved in- and be Lord over our lives... is the wisest thing a person can do, which leads us into victory and true, permanent wholeness. It's what He wanted from the beginning.

I once thought that settling for- and accepting what-is, was my only option. Until I met Christ.