Have you ever just sat in disbelief asking God why?
Why God? Why now? With all that’s going on, why did this happen?
I don’t know if we have all been there, but I bet many know what I am talking about.
There are several instances noted in the Bible where this question was asked:
Job asked, “Why have you made me your target?”
Moses asked, “Why have you dealt ill with your servant?”
David asked, “Why, O Lord, do you stand far away?”
Jesus even asked, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
We search for the elusive answer to why? Even if we somehow deny ourselves, we hurt for others. There are events that just can’t be understood or explained in the moment.
I am reminded of Romans 8:28 that says, “For we know that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to his purpose.”
That verse doesn’t say all things are good, but rather all things work together for good. That clarification makes a huge difference.
I can look back on my parent’s divorce when I was ten years old as a really tough thing, but I can also see how God worked so many “good things” in my life resulting from that event.
I can look back at other difficult events and circumstances and now see where God worked in those moments for longer-term good.
There are four keys here for us to consider when we are in the midst of one of those “WHY” moments:
Clarity comes with time: In most cases, we won’t see how things work together for good in the moment. Clarity takes time and may take years in some cases.
Perspective matters: I must remind myself that I don’t deserve a pain-free life. I need to learn to be more dependent every day and that’s often manifested in challenging times.
There’s no “win” in comparison: Comparing our situation to others is a waste of time and just results in negative thinking. I battled comparison for years and finally just quit. I never found the answer to “why” with that thinking. It’s not going to be fair. The quicker you accept that fact, the closer you are to your answer.
Purpose matters: The one qualifier in Romans 8:28 is often forgotten – “for those that love God and are called according to his PURPOSE”. When we focus on his purpose, our perspective is elevated beyond our comfort, our desires, and possibly our lives.
If you are going through one of those “why” moments, it’s ok to ask the question. I am right there with you.
I realize it may take time to understand. I am regaining perspective. I am not going to get lost again in comparison. Finally, I am regaining my focus on purpose!
Let’s be there for others when “it” just doesn’t make sense!
Doug equips leaders to make organizations better. He has two Christian-based leadership books available on all online platforms. Whether you are looking for a speaker for your next event or a leadership coach to develop people and build an authentic team, contact Doug at doug.strickel@gmail.com and learn more about PLUS.
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