Always Yesterday by Jeri Odell

Author:Jeri Odell
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Barbour Books
Published: 2012-11-01T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 9

I want to speak on the sovereignty of God,” Chief Cooper began. “Being a cop, I have to tell you I often wonder, why do bad things happen to good people? And I also question, why do good things happen to bad people? Doesn’t make much sense to me—does it to you?”

None at all, Eli agreed.

“I see the single mother working two jobs just so her kids can eat and live in a rat-infested apartment complex. Meanwhile, the drug lord resides across town in a mansion with servants and enough money to buy anything he could ever want. Where’s God? Where’s fair?”

Eli noted that all of his brood sat together in a clump at one table. They were in front of him, so he couldn’t see their faces, but they, like everyone in the room, were still and attentive. That said a lot for Chief Cooper’s speaking skills.

“I don’t know about you, but that used to bug me—a lot—until I settled the whole thing with God through studying His Word. I’ll tell you what I discovered. . . .”

Eli realized Delanie must have mentioned the “Where was God?” questions Eli had shouted at her yesterday; otherwise, why would her dad broach the subject? Should have known not to trust her. He glanced over at her, but her attention was solely on her dad, admiration highlighting her expression.

Eli refocused on Chief Cooper.

“God did create a perfect world for us to live in. The whole account is in the early part of the book of Genesis—if you care to, read it yourself later. There was no sickness, no death, no sorrow, no shame. Then Adam and Eve disobeyed God, choosing to consume the fruit He’d told them to leave alone. How many times do we do the exact opposite of what a parent or teacher asks? I know I had that tendency, especially when I was younger.

“But by sinning, disobeying, doing wrong, Adam and Eve ushered evil into the perfect world God provided. Along with their action came sickness, death, and every form of wickedness. So now because of man’s choices, not because of God’s lack of provision, we live in a fallen and imperfect world.”

Chief Cooper moved around as he spoke, looking into each face. “With cancer, killing—the list goes on and on. But the Bible says it’s temporary. Do you know why?”

Some nodded yes, some no. Eli knew why. Jesus. He’d gone to church as a kid, even asked Jesus into his heart. But if a loving God didn’t care about a twelve-year-old boy, Eli didn’t need Him. Anger surged through him.

“If God gave His very own, one and only Son to die in your place, there’s nothing He wouldn’t do for you. Absolutely nothing.”

Except save my brother’s life. Make my mother stay when I needed her so much. Eli swallowed, trying to dislodge the lump in his throat.

“Now I’m certain some of you are doubting my words. I see it on your faces. You’re thinking, If what the

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