Why is it that when asked why God doesn't answer the prayer of a handicapped child begging to be healed...?

Question

Half of the "Christian" answers say that "parents don't give children everything they ask for - it's not good for them" and "I asked god for a pony when *I* was a kid and I didn't get it either"?

I keep seeing this over and over, and it's starting to frighten me. Can Christians honestly not see the difference between a parent saying 'no' to a child's request for a pony and a parent saying 'no' to a child's request to not be in agonizing pain?

Can ANY parent here say that if your child was physically handicapped and in constant pain, that you WOULDN'T take that pain away in a heartbeat, given the chance? I'd honestly like to see one actual parent say that they wouldn't heal their child and give them a chance at a normal, healthy life.

Answer 1

You have to understand that people develop a schema (a version of reality according to the knowledge that they accept as true). When they get asked a hard question they try to make sense of it according to their schema...it is very hard to alter your schema once you have passed a certain age.

So when Christian rationalize everything through God's Plan...it is just their way of coping with a hard question. They will never change their minds. That is why it is important to teach them good science and logic as children. That is why many Christians want things like "intelligent design" taught in school...So as to build a maic-based schema in the children's mind from youth.

Answer 2

That isn't a very good answer coming from a Christian, and I am a Christian. There are a lot of things that God does that we don't understand. We just can't figure out why he allows somethings to take place and other things not. When it comes to children I believe that children pay for their parents wrong doing. It is said that we all have a purpose and a plan from God. Some people say that bad things happen to good people. But unless you really know a persons heart which is totally impossiable for us, you really don't know. People hide alot in their hearts, things they done, bad things, that others just don't see. We have to look at this child you speak of as a special gift from God. Because he made them different from everyone else. Not that it constitutes a bad things, it just appears bad to us. But theres no doubt that God has something that he is going to use this Child for. Like I said this child is special and thats why they are different. They seem to become closer to God then alot of us only wish we could. I mean what sin do they do? See they are in the graces of God, the things we strive for and fight for as believers. So don't take face as the answer, look a little deeper. Hope this helped, be blessed

Answer 3

If i could, i would...but we all have life lessons to learn, even the ones who call themselves Christians,,
I believe that as souls, we choose our families and what life lesson we are going to work on before we enter the physical realm.....
SO...i do have empathy.....on the flip side, i have known some wonderful, loving and bright children who are in todays society considered "handicapped"
I think everyone has a purpose and it is up to us to look for the divine in each person place or thing that we meet
Blessed Be!

Answer 4

Of course I would. I would never, ever reduce my childs pain down to nothing. There is a reason for everything though. I recall the story of Jesus and His disciples. His disciples saw a man that had been blind from birth and they asked Jesus what sin the parents had committed to make their child be born blind. Jesus answered them: this happened so that the work of God may be displayed in his life.

I believe that.

Answer 5

Is the difference between us and God greater than that of us and a bear? Then imagine a bear in a trap and a ranger who out of sympathy wants to liberate the bear. He tries to win the bears confidence but the bear will not give in. So he has to shoot the bear full of drugs. The bear, however thinks this is an attack and that the ranger is trying to harm him and doesn't realize its out of compassion. Then, in order to get the bear out of the trap he has to push the bear into the trap further to release the tension of the spring. Had the bear been conscious he would have been even more convinced that the ranger was out to hurt him. But the bear would be wrong because he is not a human and cannot fully understand. Likewise we are not God and cannot fully understand the things that happen to us on this earth, but even the greatest pains and the toughest cancers will not compare to the life to come if we place our trust in God.

Answer 6

I'd take that pain away in a heartbeat only if it's god's intention. god has a way broader view then us and can tell if something will turn bad because of something else. god doesn't answer the prayer at times because he know that that person can be used more for his glory if he was handicapped. it's like blind bardamaius in the bible. he was born blind, not playing with needles or anything his fault it was god's doing. why? so Jesus can one day heal him. and he did. but these days a born-blind person might stay blind so that he may become the editor and chief in braille books or to help detect ultrasonic frequencies. or he might be healed so he can preach of god's love and compassion to all. so the next time you see a paralytic or a deaf person don't ask why they are handicapped. ask what they are doing to help benefit the world

Answer 7

Well, that is a good analogy. Life is hard and full of challenging lessons. I think sometimes these lessons are not intended or expressed the way we think they ought to be. That's part of the mystery. In your example, others can learn lessons of love by appreciating the things they do have and it gives others the opportunity to help those less fortunate as well. If we raise our kids to believe being handicapped limits them, then they will be limited. The flip side is....if they live their life to their true potential even through the pain, how inspiring is that. It's truly inspiring to see how people overcome their tragedies. You see all of life is about choices...

Peace, Love, and Blessings
Greenwood

Answer 8

Nine and ten years ago my parents died and I began working on our family history from the things they left.

The most important thing I have learned is that we are all just a tiny spot in time.

This child has a purpose in life and will effect all of those around him. WE will generally never know the reason, but God has a plan and always does.

With the medicines today (thanks to God) we are able to eliminate most pain. Disease is in some cases man made and God Cured. Just know there is a purpose for everything.

Absolute and total faith in God is required in this life.

Answer 9

Both as a spiritual person and as a disabled one who lives in chronic pain, this is a question I've asked myself a lot. When it comes to it, though, I think the answer, as do most if not all, lies within us. We as a species devote so much time to frivolous things, like researching baldness cures, that we neglect to try and fix what's truly wrong. It's fine to put your faith in any deity you choose, but don't expect him to solve all your problems. When someone asks me why God doesn't save the children, I tend to respond by asking why we don't save them. It usually ends that conversation quickly enough.

Answer 10

Christianity is false - what the Bible says about Handicapped People:

Ex.4:11
Who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?

Lev.21:17-23
Whosoever ... hath any blemish, let him not approach to offer the bread of his God. For whatsoever man he be that hath a blemish, he shall not approach: a blind man, or a lame, or he that hath a flat nose, or any thing superfluous, Or a man that is brokenfooted, or brokenhanded, Or crookbackt, or a dwarf, or that hath a blemish in his eye, or be scurvy, or scabbed, or hath his stones broken; No man that hath a blemish of the seed of Aaron the priest shall come nigh to offer the offerings of the LORD made by fire: he hath a blemish; he shall not come nigh to offer the bread of his God. ... Only he shall not go in unto the vail, nor come nigh unto the altar, because he hath a blemish; that he profane not my sanctuaries.