My Tuesday morning Bible Study leader said something a few weeks ago that I have been thinking about ever since. It was a simple statement, but it was one of those statements that just really hit home for me. At the time we were studying 1st and 2nd Peter which are two handbooks on how to endure during suffering and trials. She said, "We need to stop demanding explanations from God and rely on his promises instead."
In just about every area of our lives, we demand explanations from others.
From our kids: "Why did you do that? What were you thinking?"
From our employees: "Why were you late?"
From our parents: "Why do I have that curfew?"
From our spouse: "Will you tell me why you are incapable of placing dishes in the dishwasher?"
So why should it be any different when it comes to God. We certainly feel like we are entitled to an answer to our "whys".
Why did I lose my job?
Why did you let my child be born with a disability?
Why did my husband leave me?
Why did my mom die so young?
Why did you allow her to suffer?
Why did you take my children's grandmother away from them?
WHY!!!????
I have been right there shaking my fists and asking those last three questions over this last year. And I have learned that demanding explanations is not what ultimately brings me peace or resolution or comfort. Instead it does the opposite and breeds contempt, anger and frustration.
So what do we need to do then? Stand on his promises instead. God's promises are a sure foundation. A pillow to rest your head on. A rock to cling to in the midst of a storm. They are unmovable, unshakable, and eternal. This year, in the midst of losing my mom, I have decided not to demand a why. Instead I choose to trust that.....
He will never leave me nor forsake me. (Hebrews 13:5)
He will uphold me by his righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
He will work all things together for good. (Romans 8:28)
He has given me everything I need for life and godliness. (2 Peter 1:3)
His name is a strong, safe tower to cling to. (Proverbs 18:10)
He collects every tear that I cry. (Psalm 56:8)
He is the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. (2 Corinthians 1:3)
His ways are higher than my ways, and his thoughts higher than my thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9)
His mercies are new every morning. (Lamentations 3:22-23)
HIS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR ME. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
I hope this encourages someone who is struggling with answers that are not clear Sometimes God reveals the answers to our questions here on earth. But many times, we won't ever know. And in those moments our faith is defined.
I hope you find comfort in his promises as well!
8 comments:
I love that. Thank you for sharing.
Emily, this was a great post! In fact, I am going to point my readers directly to your blog tomorrow. I'm also going to remember it to ease the pain for some of my patients and their families. Wonderful.
Beautifully and truly said. Thank you.
Lovely post, truly beautiful.
~ My mother linked to it (with a strange photo of us )....
Great and awesome post! Even for those who already know to stand on God's promises, it is often necessary to be reminded. Thank you.
Thanks for sharing those verses. I hope they can bring you some comfort as well
This was beautiful. Cathy Wandell read it last night at church. Precious words.
Emily, this was so good for me to read today. We do often ask an explanation from God, when we cannot possibly see His whole plan but as many of your scriptures point out we need to trust Him wholly. Think we'll have a chance to ask Him why then?
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