Isaiah 55:8-9 CEV The Lord says: “My thoughts and my ways are not like yours. Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, my thoughts and my ways are higher than yours.
Every time something bad happens, a disaster, a death, an illness, or a financial catastrophe, many people either ask “Why would God allow this to happen” or why did God do this”? When things happen that don’t appear to make sense, or go against what we think is good, we say God did it or allowed. We say that God does or allows bad stuff because we don’t understand how a God that we know loves us can allow us go through situations that stretch our abilities as human beings to handle or understand. Why are we struck with a debilitating illness in the prime of life, why does one of our children die young, or why do we lose a job right after we sign a big mortgage? What about facing foreclosure because we haven’t been able to find a job? Why is your spouse stricken with a chronic illness ending in death. When these things happen in succession we search for answers.
Why am I going through this situation?
Why did You let that happen?
Why didn’t You allow me to experience that blessing?
Although it is human nature to question and try to find the reasoning behind God’s ways, Most of our “why” questions may just result from ignorance about Who God is or a lack of faith in what He is doing. Let me clarify I’m talking about our lack of faith in what God is doing not a lack of faith in God.
Like Job we may never get a specific answer to our “why” questions.
Job 38:1-3 CEV From out of a storm, the Lord said to Job: Why do you talk so much when you know so little? Now get ready to face me! Can you answer the questions I ask?
Every time something bad happens, a disaster, a death, an illness, or a financial catastrophe, many people either ask “Why would God allow this to happen” or why did God do this”? When things happen that don’t appear to make sense, or go against what we think is good, we say God did it or allowed. We say that God does or allows bad stuff because we don’t understand how a God that we know loves us can allow us go through situations that stretch our abilities as human beings to handle or understand. Why are we struck with a debilitating illness in the prime of life, why does one of our children die young, or why do we lose a job right after we sign a big mortgage? What about facing foreclosure because we haven’t been able to find a job? Why is your spouse stricken with a chronic illness ending in death. When these things happen in succession we search for answers.
Why am I going through this situation?
Why did You let that happen?
Why didn’t You allow me to experience that blessing?
Although it is human nature to question and try to find the reasoning behind God’s ways, Most of our “why” questions may just result from ignorance about Who God is or a lack of faith in what He is doing. Let me clarify I’m talking about our lack of faith in what God is doing not a lack of faith in God.
Like Job we may never get a specific answer to our “why” questions.
Job 38:1-3 CEV From out of a storm, the Lord said to Job: Why do you talk so much when you know so little? Now get ready to face me! Can you answer the questions I ask?
Here are what Cindi McMenamin calls “God’s Top 10 Answers to Our ‘Why’ Questions.” They are all based on Scripture and what it tells us of God’s character. The answers are Cindi’s the scriptures were added by me.
1. Trust Me. I have My reasons.
Proverbs 3:5 CEV With all your heart you must trust the Lord and not your own judgment.
Romans 8:28-30 CEV We know that God is always at work for the good of everyone who loves him. They are the ones God has chosen for his purpose, and he has always known who his chosen ones would be. He had decided to let them become like his own Son, so his Son would be the first of many children. God then accepted the people he had already decided to choose, and he has shared his glory with them.
2. So you will grow.
James 1:2, 4-4, 12 CEV My friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble. But you must learn to endure everything, so you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything. God will bless you, if you don't give up when your faith is being tested. He will reward you with a glorious life, just as he rewards everyone who loves him.
3. You never asked.
Matthew 7:7-8 CEV Ask, and you will receive. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened for you. Everyone who asks will receive. Everyone who searches will find. And the door will be opened for everyone who knocks.
4. You’re asking for the wrong reasons.
James 4:1-3 CEV Why do you fight and argue with each other? Isn't it because you are full of selfish desires that fight to control your body? You want something you don't have, and you will do anything to get it. You will even kill! But you still cannot get what you want, and you won't get it by fighting and arguing. You should pray for it. Yet even when you do pray, your prayers are not answered, because you pray just for selfish reasons.
5. So you’ll rely on Me.
1 Peter 5:6-7 CEV Be humble in the presence of God's mighty power, and he will honor you when the time comes. God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.
Matthew 6:31-34 CEV Don't worry and ask yourselves, “Will we have anything to eat? Will we have anything to drink? Will we have any clothes to wear?” Only people who don't know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father in heaven knows you need all of these. But more than anything else, put God's work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well. Don't worry about tomorrow. It will take care of itself. You have enough to worry about today.
6. Just Wait.
Isaiah 40:31 CEV But those who trust the Lord will find new strength. They will be strong like eagles soaring upward on wings; they will walk and run without getting tired.
Psalms 27:14 NKJV Wait on the Lord ; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord !
7. I have something better in mind.
Jeremiah 29:11 CEV I will bless you with a future filled with hope—a future of success, not of suffering.
8. I’m protecting you.
2 Thessalonians 3:3 CEV But the Lord can be trusted to make you strong and protect you from harm.
Isaiah 41:10 CEV Don't be afraid. I am with you. Don't tremble with fear. I am your God. I will make you strong, as I protect you with my arm and give you victories.
9. I’m making you more like Jesus.
Romans 8:29 CEV and he has always known who his chosen ones would be. He had decided to let them become like his own Son, so his Son would be the first of many children.
10. Because I love you.
1 John 4:8-10 CEV God is love, and anyone who doesn't love others has never known him. God showed his love for us when he sent his only Son into the world to give us life. Real love isn't our love for God, but his love for us. God sent his Son to be the sacrifice by which our sins are forgiven.
Lord, thank You that in spite of your “no” or “wait” or even Your silence, You know what is very best for me and You promise to work for my eternal good, not just my temporary satisfaction. Thank You that in all all situations, in all pain and pressure and circumstances beyond my control, You are making me more like Christ, as I give up my will and surrender to Yours.
Scripture says without faith it is impossible to please You so I choose to believe that You have it all under control. Thank You for being a good, loving, all-knowing and ever-present God who will not let anything touch me that hasn’t first passed through Your loving hands. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Isaiah 40:31 CEV But those who trust the Lord will find new strength. They will be strong like eagles soaring upward on wings; they will walk and run without getting tired.
Psalms 27:14 NKJV Wait on the Lord ; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord !
7. I have something better in mind.
Jeremiah 29:11 CEV I will bless you with a future filled with hope—a future of success, not of suffering.
8. I’m protecting you.
2 Thessalonians 3:3 CEV But the Lord can be trusted to make you strong and protect you from harm.
Isaiah 41:10 CEV Don't be afraid. I am with you. Don't tremble with fear. I am your God. I will make you strong, as I protect you with my arm and give you victories.
9. I’m making you more like Jesus.
Romans 8:29 CEV and he has always known who his chosen ones would be. He had decided to let them become like his own Son, so his Son would be the first of many children.
10. Because I love you.
1 John 4:8-10 CEV God is love, and anyone who doesn't love others has never known him. God showed his love for us when he sent his only Son into the world to give us life. Real love isn't our love for God, but his love for us. God sent his Son to be the sacrifice by which our sins are forgiven.
Lord, thank You that in spite of your “no” or “wait” or even Your silence, You know what is very best for me and You promise to work for my eternal good, not just my temporary satisfaction. Thank You that in all all situations, in all pain and pressure and circumstances beyond my control, You are making me more like Christ, as I give up my will and surrender to Yours.
Scripture says without faith it is impossible to please You so I choose to believe that You have it all under control. Thank You for being a good, loving, all-knowing and ever-present God who will not let anything touch me that hasn’t first passed through Your loving hands. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
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