Dr. Douglas James Cottrell tackles one of humanity's most persistent questions: If there is a God, why is there suffering in the world? Drawing from decades of spiritual teaching, he offers a perspective-shifting answer that places responsibility squarely on human shoulders. "God doesn't allow anything—God provides everything," he explains, challenging us to reconsider our understanding of divine intervention.
The suffering we witness across the globe stems not from divine permission but from human choices. Dr. Douglas likens humanity to children with crayons who can create beautiful pictures or chaotic scribbles. When we look at wars, natural disasters, and personal hardships, we're seeing the consequences of collective human decisions, not divine punishment or neglect. This understanding doesn't diminish God's power but rather elevates our responsibility to create positive change.
Free will stands as the cornerstone of spiritual development. Without the freedom to make choices—both constructive and destructive—we'd be mere puppets, incapable of genuine spiritual growth. Dr. Douglas reassures us that prayer works powerfully when it comes from a sincere heart, especially when focused on opportunities rather than specific outcomes. Prayers for others carry particular strength, opening channels for unexpected blessings and guidance.
Ready to deepen your spiritual understanding? Join Dr. Douglas at the Hope Conference in Fort Worth, Texas (February 10-12), where he'll explore the DNA of your soul, virtue healing, near-death experiences, and more. Visit douglasjamescottrell.com to register and take the next step on your journey to spiritual awakening, where you can transform chaos into clarity and suffering into understanding.