I was chatting with our youngest son this week about why things happen, and he started to ask why God allows some things to happen.
We can all ask the why questions, "Why do I have to do this or not do that?" "Why did that happen to me or someone I love and care about?"
There are so many "Whys", but just like any parent who doesn't necessarily answer all the why's their kids ask, God, as a loving Father, also doesn't have to answer. Perhaps it's not what we need most when hurting, confused or disappointed anyway. It's not answers we need most, but rather to know that God is there, that He is in control, loves us, and is going to work everything out for our good.
A child's question isn't why but rather who is with them, and it's in this childlikeness that we also gain access into dimensions and realms of the Kingdom and a relationship with Jesus that we won't access any other way than to be like a little child.
Jesus said to have the faith of a little child and that 'whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." (Luke 18:17)
"God gives us special opportunities to grow down. To become more child-like. It's the simplicity of faith that trust Him no matter what – He knows what is happening, and I'm going to trust Him. We never want our way to take us away from Him or to be the one who critiques God – He critiques us." (Bill Johnson)
The why's of life; the hurts, loss, or disappointment can threaten to take us away from Jesus if we are not careful. We can start to critique His love for us by whether we understand or like what is happening. But sometimes, we won't understand, and it's in giving up the right to understand everything that we will receive the peace God wants to give us that transcends all understanding. (Philippians 4:7)
You have two choices. Will you allow the why's in life to cause doubt and unbelief in your heart, or will you lean into God's presence and love for you. Because answers won't soothe your soul or lift you up, but His presence and knowing He is with you will. (Romans 8:31-39)
Ultimately what matters is not why things happen, but who is with you when they do. Who is with you, who do you trust, who do you lean on, and who will you run to? When you can answer that, all the other questions and decisions in life become easier.
I encourage you to be like a little child and to trust and believe what God has promised; He is with you, loves you, and has everyone and everything in His hands. He is a good, good Father, and you will be okay.
"You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore." (Psalm 16:11 Amp)
"And I continually long to know the wonders of Jesus more fully and to experience the overflowing power of his resurrection working in me". (Philippians 3:10)
Prayer: Lord, thank you for being a good, good Father and for loving me. Please help me to trust even when I don't understand and to be more aware of your presence with me than I am of the thousand why's that try to cloud my view of you. I trust you and know that you are working all things together for my good today. Even when I don't see you, I trust that you are there. In Jesus name Amen.
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