WHEN WE ASK WHY?

When we have difficulties and suffering it brings out a variety of attitudes and responses. Some people become angry at God for allowing the situation to befall them or others. On the other hand, we see others with the ability to rejoice in God knowing that He’s doing a great work in their lives through the hardship. But one of the most common responses that I myself have manifested, “Why?”  “Why did this terrible tragedy have to happen to these good people?” I thought that we would explore the answer to the “Why Question” today. As I sought the answer I must admit that it gave me peace, I hope it provides peace to you when you experience life changing events and your soul screams out. “God why are you doing this to me?”

When we don’t understand why something happens to us or those that we love we must remember these basic truths. First, our Lord’s perspective is totally complete, knowing everything about the present, past and future. Whereas we can only have a short view of things which many times leads us to the wrong view of God and why He may move in certain ways. But, God understands the things that He created and why he wishes to accomplish through His creation, man.

God loves each of us but His thought are so far above ours we can never reach the level of his thoughts (Isa. 55:9-9) and there have been and will be situations that we will never understand. It is during those time my friend, that we must give up our earthly thoughts and simply place the situation in the hands of God. Another, understanding is that we must attempt to see the challenge from God’s point of view. We must rely on simple “child-like” faith. The Lord is always faithful to those that love him but we are only human and Satan will use anything possible to turn our eyes and hearts away from God. We see a group of people killed by ISIS and the anger grows deep within us and that is exactly what Satan’s wants us to do. When we attempt to see these things though God’s camera lens. Our view tends to zoom out so that we may see more of what God is trying to accomplish in our lives. I think you would agree, sometimes it is just God’s way of getting our attention and reminding us that we are nothing without Him. Other times, God is testing our faith, by pushing us to the limit.

Lastly, I would assert that God gives us a reason in advance why certain things happen. Paul begged God several time to remove the “thorn in the flesh” be removed. God answered three times, “No.” (2 Cor. 12:7) But, God gave Paul the reason why His answer was “no”. God would not take this “thorn” because God knew, without it, Paul would be prideful. Thus Paul could rejoice in and trust God knew what was best for him.

So how can we respond to such suffering and pain when we don’t understand why it has come into our lives? We must acknowledge it and be thankful (I Thess. 5:18), we must remain confident that God is in control with all things working for the good. (Rom.8:28) Lastly, we must stand of God’s promise; “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.   (1 Peter 5:10) May God sustain you with His mighty hand and during times of trials may you find shelter in His arms.

You may follow Eddie at eddieturnerreachingout@gmail.com  or view his Blog “Wild for the Word” at http://eddieturner2502.blogspot.com/

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