According to Pew research, only 56% of Americans say they believe in the God of the Bible, a God who is all-loving, all-knowing, and all-powerful. Among African Americans, 79% say they are Christians, 47% say they go to church weekly, and 61 % say they read the Bible away from church each week. Pew Research shows church attendance is declining in our country. Some of this may be due to prosperity—the more we get, the less we see the need for God in our lives. Sometimes God graciously brings us to our knees so we cry out to Him. When he does so, many cry out complaining, “God is not fair. Why does God allow this to happen to me?” The Apostle Paul assures us God is always faithful. He is not being unfair. He writes in Romans CH 3, “If God were not entirely fair, how would he be qualified to judge the world?” So instead of blaming God when troubles arise, let’s aim to learn what God is trying to teach us. We should draw near God until the storm passes over. Drawing near Him in prayer and worship strengthens us. It even prepares us for the next storm that is sure to come.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
