Q:
My neighbor has never wanted anything to do with God, but when she was diagnosed with cancer several months ago I thought she might wake up and begin thinking about Him. But all it's done is make her angry at God and blame Him for giving her cancer. Why do some people react this way?
A:
You are right: Your neighbor should be thinking about eternity and her need to get right with God, instead of angrily lashing out at Him. I’m afraid people don’t always think straight about God–and sadly, this seems to be the case with your friend.
Why do some people react this way? One reason is because they don’t want to admit they need God, and they will hunt for any excuse they can find in order to avoid Him. Their pride rules them, and the last thing they want to do is admit they’ve been wrong all these years and then humble themselves before God. But the Bible warns that “the arrogant man will be humbled and the pride of men brought low” (Isaiah 2:11). Someday she will stand before God (as we all will), and then it will be too late.
Pray for your neighbor, that she will face her need of God and turn to Christ in repentance and faith. God loves her, in spite of the way she has neglected Him–and the proof is that His Son was willing to die for her on the cross. The Bible says, “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10).
In addition, ask God to give you opportunities to show His love to her during these difficult days. She needs Christ, and God wants to use you to point her to Him.