Bible Reading: Job 11:7
From the time that we are about two years old, one of our favorite questions is “Why?”
We ask our parents why we have to obey them. We ask our teachers why we have to do a given assignment. We even spend a lot of time and energy asking God, “Why?” – Why do bad things happen to good people? Why doesn’t God just take sin out of the world and make everything perfect rather than expecting us try to live a godly life in an ungodly world? Why does it seem that the “bad guys” get ahead while the “good guys” struggle?
The fact is that it doesn’t really matter, why. God is God and God is in control. God knows and understands the way the whole world works much more completely than we do. God sees the “big picture” while we see only a small piece of it. Job 11:7 says, “Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?” The answer is, “No.” When we ask, “Why?” we are trying to understand things that we are incapable of understanding.
A better question for us to ask is “What?” What can I do to help accomplish God’s plan? What can I do to help other people cope with this sin-filled, uncertain world? What can I do to show other people the peace that God gives to those who trust him during uncertain, painful times?
Look at any current “why” situations in your life. Change the question and ask God, “What are you trying to teach me and what do you expect of me in this situation?”
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5
Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me what You want me for each situation. In Jesus’ name. Amen.