Why?? From the mouth of a babe.
Why? The world’s shortest question asked by the world’s most inquisitive person… a three-year-old. It seems like no matter how thorough you answer their question, it is abruptly followed by another “why question”. It’s time to brush your teeth. Why? Because we brush them before bedtime. Why? To learn healthy teeth habits. Why? So, you will be able to eat and grow bigger. Why? The realization that this could go on all night silences the next response. As annoying as this is, I wonder if I am any better. I’m thinking that this toddler uses the “why” word for the same reason I do. To get information about a world that is not fully understood.
My lament… “why?”
A question quite prevalent nowadays in trying to understand why each day adds a new report to an endless list of natural or man-made catastrophes. Fires, tornadoes, floods, shootings, riots, wars, and so much more. Then there is the calamity that infects the home: Broken relationships, life threatening health problems, loss of a job, financial stress, or a death in the family. It is in our sinful nature to ask why God would allow these things to happen. Why is there so much suffering in this world? Why do I have to suffer when it appears others do not? Then I ponder, why on earth are these things allowed to happen? It is during these times, like a toddler, we find ourselves asking these “why questions” no matter what response we might receive…
Biblical Answers
Truth to be told, we are not meant to know the answer to many of these questions. But what we can find comfort in, is what we do know. We are told in the Bible that God is in Control (Ephesians 1:11). That God will not give us any more than we can handle (1 Corinthians 10:13). There will be times of hardship, but we are to remain faithful, as these things are part of God’s knowledge and will (John 16:33). “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28). Yet knowing these things, I still ponder; wouldn’t it be nice if I could just stay at the peak of that mountain top. Where everything in my life would remain just peachy… Realistically it doesn’t seem to work that way.
“Why” my trust is in Jesus
I run across a quote from Billy Graham in which he said, “Mountaintops are made for views and inspiration, but fruit is grown in the valleys.” When we are on that mountain top, we willingly give praise to Jesus for all our blessings. But when we are in the valleys, we must remember “why” we put our trust in Jesus. Why He suffered and died on the cross. Why He did all that He has done, for me. It is from these fruits we grow in the valleys that point us to that cross. That eternal promise where one day there will be no more tears, no more pain, and no more suffering (Revelation 21:4). Thus, is our answer for eternity.
Dear Lord, thank you for giving me answers through your Word to comfort all the “why’s” in my life. Amen.
Ephesians 1:11
1 Corinthians 10:13
John 16:33
Romans 8:28
Revelation 21:4
— Phil
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Today’s Scripture
Ephesians 1:11
Spiritual Blessings in Christ
11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,
1 Corinthians 10:13
Warning Against Idolatry
13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
John 16:33
I Have Overcome the World
33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Romans 8:28
Future Glory
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,[8] for those who are called according to his purpose.
Revelation 21:4
The New Heaven and the New Earth
4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”