Why?Sample

Theological This & That

This is the part of the reading plan where theology must be introduced. There is a lot of information I could include here, but I will share a few main highlights from my life challenge journey that have helped me.

Jesus Asked “Why?”

I believe it is okay to ask God “Why?” and, in fact, I strongly encourage you to do so. Jesus Christ Himself asked God “Why” during His suffering and impending death (see Matthew 27:46). Notice, Jesus did not accuse God’s character. It was a natural or human response to suffering. So, you can follow His attitude and action and ask Him “Why” in love, not in accusation.

God Does Now Owe Us an Answer

Keep in mind that God does not owe you an answer. God, the ruler of the universe, can do what He wants, when He wants, how He wants, and why He wants. He does not have to explain Himself. Furthermore, He does not owe an answer to anyone.

Redeem the Life Challenge

Even if God did give you an answer, you may not like what He would have to say, or you may disagree with Him. Sometimes, He lovingly allows things to happen for mysterious reasons that we may not ever know or understand. When we do not know why He allows certain situations in our lives, we can bank on the fact that He has three general purposes for all suffering:

1. Get to know Him better
2. Develop and enjoy a close, loving relationship with Him through the good and bad times
3. Learn to develop specific character qualities so we can become more like Him in our responses

My Life Challenge Journey

When my 24-year-old boyfriend, who was paralyzed from the neck down, died after being in the hospital for a year after his second accident, I had a lot of questions. Less than a month later, my 22-year-old sister died on Thanksgiving Day and left behind 3 little girls.I had more questions.

Seventeen years later, my boyfriend of 6 years died unexpectedly. Six years later, my dad was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma and successfully completed his chemotherapy journey and rang the bell! Six years later, he was diagnosed with stage 4C colon cancer and passed away 11 months later. One month later, my mom broke both her ankles, a couple of months later we were both diagnosed with COVID, the next month my aunt died, the following month another aunt died, and 6 months later my uncle died on my birthday. I had even more questions.

I only share this to let you know that I have been there. This is not theory or book knowledge. This has been my life. Even through these chronic life challenges, I have slowly learned that God is good all the time and all the time God is good…even when bad things happen.