Matthew chapter 7 says “For everyone who asks, receives.” — But not always for parents with a sick child! Sorry. :-(

[Multicolored Lemur]

Perhaps people wouldn't be as caring or seek God as much if there were no sick people to care for.

I think we can say this as just people who love each other.

 

[Multicolored Lemur]

It is simply not God's will for every child to reach adulthood.

I don’t think a confusing God helps people.

I think practical help and hugs help people during difficult times.

 

[Multicolored Lemur]

Dwight D. Eisenhower - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

“The Eisenhowers had two sons. In late 1917 while he was in charge of training at Fort Oglethorpe in Georgia, his wife Mamie had their first son, Doud Dwight "Icky" Eisenhower, who died of scarlet fever at the age of three.”

——————

Scarlet fever was caused by strep, easy to treat with antibiotics.

So it the sustained human project of helping each other, that’s what brought medical science, a middle-class lifestyle, good jobs for most of us, not quite enough on that count, etc.

But imagine, just about 100 years ago, losing a child to a disease which is now thoroughly treatable. Weirdly, strep bacteria can of adapts in how it attacks the human body.

 

[Multicolored Lemur]

In response to a child with leukemia [now often treatable], a Baptist minister said, “I don’t know.”

At times, I think that’s the better answer.

 

[AgnosticBoy]

That’s fine if someone is praying for success in a music career. But praying for a child who is facing a life-threatening challenge ? ??

God's plan does not always align with our plans. It is simply not God's will for every child to reach adulthood. It's not God's will for every young adult to reach old age. But it is God's will for everyone to be saved so they can live the perfect life when this earthly journey is over.

If we think about it, everyone will eventually face the same outcome - death. We all accept this and don't question or blame anyone for it nor expect God to prolong our lives forever. The Christian is in a unique position to say we're not guaranteed anything so if a child dies, it's not different than an old person dying in God's eyes. The Christian can also fall back on the next life not having any diseases, suffering, etc. It's not a fullproof defense against the 'problem of evil' arguments, but it's enough to leave an opening or potential path to a good response, imo.