Some say that it is wrong to question God. They may feel that it is disrespectful to ask why God does or does not allow certain things to happen. — The Watchtower, november, 2012 p. 3
IF SO, you may be surprised to learn that many good people have questioned God. The faithful man Job asked God: "Why is it that the wicked themselves keep living, have grown old, also have become superior in wealth?"—Job 21:7.
If you read the passages surrounding this or other questions mentioned in the Scriptures, you will see no indication that Jehovah* God was offended when asked such sincere questions. In fact, Jesus told his disciples: "Keep on asking, and it will be given you." (Matthew 7:7) But do God listen to us in this times?
Read what a young man, who was disillusioned with life, have to say.
"With tears in my eyes, asking, 'Why?'"
I was born in England, in 1963. About the time I was seven years old, my family moved to Australia. We settled on the Gold Coast, a tourist destination in Queensland, Australia. Although my family was not rich, we always had what we needed.
I started binge drinking during my highschool years. At age 16, I left school and joined the navy. I began to experiment with drugs and became addicted to tobacco. I also became more and more dependent on alcohol. I went from binge dinking on the weekends to doing so every day.
In my late teens and early 20's, I started to question God's existence. 'If God really exists', I reasoned, 'why does he allow people to suffer and die?' I had no desire to set goals or achieve anything. Nothing really appealed to me. The prospect of owning a house, having a secure job, and receiving promotions all seemed pointless. My only "comfort" came from drinking alcohol and listening to music.
I can recall the exact moment when I felt the greatest desire to find purpose in life. I was in Poland, visiting the infamous concentration camp at Auschwitz. I had read about the atrocities that took place. But when I actually stood there and saw the enormous size of the camp, my emotions were deeply affected. I could not comprehend how humans could be so cruel to other humans. I remember walking around the camp with tears in my eyes, asking, 'Why?'
In 1993, I began to read the Bible in search of answers. Soon thereafter, two of Jehovah's Witnesses knocked on my door and invited me to a convention that was being held at a nearby stadium. I decided to go.
I had been to that stadium a few months earlier for a match, but the contrast with this convention was enormous. The Witnesses were polite and well-dressed, and their children were well-behaved. And I was stunned by what I saw at lunchtime. Hundreds of Witnesses ate lunch on the playing field, but when they returned to their seats, I couldn't see a single piece of rubbish left on the field! Above all, these people seemed to have a feeling of contentment and peace—something I yearned for. I don't remember any of the talks that were given that day, but the conduct of the Witnesses made a lasting impression.
The following week, the two Witnesses who had invited me to the convention returned. They offered me a Bible study, which I accepted. I also began to attend Christian meetings with them.
As I studied the Bible, my view of God changed completely. I learned that he is not the cause of wickedness and suffering and that he himself is hurt when people do bad things. (Genesis 6:6; Psalm 78:40, 41) I became quite determined to try never to cause Jehovah any hurt. I wanted to make his heart rejoice. (Proverbs 27:11) I stopped overdrinking and using tobacco, and I quit engaging in immorality. In March 1994, I was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses.
I am genuinely happy and content. I no longer turn to alcohol in an attempt to solve my problems. Instead, I've learned to throw my burdens on Jehovah.—Psalm 55:22.
For the past ten years, I have been married to a beautiful Witness named Karen, and I have a wonderful stepdaughter named Nella. The three of us enjoy spending a lot of our time in the Christian ministry, helping others to learn the truth about God. At last, my life has purpose. (Ian King) —The Watchtower, november 1, 2012 p. 13.
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*Jehovah is the name of God revealed in the Bible.
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