So the common theme that has continually come up over the past weeks/months as we have gone through "The Story" with our small group and I have interacted with people that have been in tough situation is: WHY? As I have heard people talk of difficult and sad stories and have read in the Bible about such stories, the one thing that has constantly come up is "why would God allow such things to occur". I have always been afraid to question God and what He is up to because growing up I was taught not to question Him. But I think that my image and understanding of who God is is being changed and strengthened through the simple question of "Why". The story of Abraham and Sarah stuck out in my head in the early weeks of our small group. Why would God choose to make Sarah barren and then later allow her to get pregnant, only to test Abraham with his faithfulness by asking him to sacrifice the child that they had prayed for for years? Why? Why would God destroy an entire people instead of allowing them to make a change and trust in Him? I mean He is a loving God, right? And why would God allow a young family with young children go through such a horrific trial that leaves a husband to care for 2 young children while his wife is taken home to be with God? Why? WHY?
That has been the overpowering question in my head. The "why" has continually come up throughout my everyday life.
The funny thing is that you would think I would be extremely frustrated and angered by not having the answer. It is the exact opposite. I have learned that God isn't here to answer all of our "why" questions. He isn't here to provide a carefree and easy life for us on earth. We are merely called to TRUST and have FAITH in knowing that God is sovereign. When I look at times when I have been down and frustrated with things here on earth, I see how God has been FAITHful. When I look at people in overwhelmingly horrible circumstances, I see how their TRUST in God has gotten them through on the other side. FAITH AND TRUST. It seems so miniscule....but has meant so much lately. When I keep asking why something is happening or why God is allowing someone to be tested, I give it up. I'm not going to know the "why" of every situation. But God does. And He is a much better planner/director of my life than I have ever been or ever will be!
So when the "whys" come up, don't dwell upon them. But TRUST in God and have FAITH that He knows what He's doing. We may not understand, but we're not meant to understand.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9 NIV).
If the Lord is with is wherever we go....then we don't need to know the "whys"...
Dustin
That has been the overpowering question in my head. The "why" has continually come up throughout my everyday life.
The funny thing is that you would think I would be extremely frustrated and angered by not having the answer. It is the exact opposite. I have learned that God isn't here to answer all of our "why" questions. He isn't here to provide a carefree and easy life for us on earth. We are merely called to TRUST and have FAITH in knowing that God is sovereign. When I look at times when I have been down and frustrated with things here on earth, I see how God has been FAITHful. When I look at people in overwhelmingly horrible circumstances, I see how their TRUST in God has gotten them through on the other side. FAITH AND TRUST. It seems so miniscule....but has meant so much lately. When I keep asking why something is happening or why God is allowing someone to be tested, I give it up. I'm not going to know the "why" of every situation. But God does. And He is a much better planner/director of my life than I have ever been or ever will be!
So when the "whys" come up, don't dwell upon them. But TRUST in God and have FAITH that He knows what He's doing. We may not understand, but we're not meant to understand.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9 NIV).
If the Lord is with is wherever we go....then we don't need to know the "whys"...
Dustin
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