As you look around the world today and witness all of the pain and suffering, you may have asked the question, “Why?” Why is there so much suffering? Why is there so much sickness and disease? Why is there war and violence that affects so many innocent people? You might not even have to look at other places. You may only have to look within your own life, or the life of someone you know and care about.
Why, indeed? The bottom line answer to these questions is we experience these things because we live in a fallen world and in a frail world. Yes, sin is the root cause of all of this world’s sorrow and suffering. Because of sin people will sometimes hurt others in various ways and we get sick and can suffer and die. But, even though we live in a fallen world and in a frail world, we do not live in a forsaken world!
God loves you. He loves you with an everlasting love. When we experience pain and sorrow and suffering it does not change God’s love for you or His promises to you. He has promised to never leave you nor forsake you and God always keeps His promises.
There is something else you need to know. It is okay to ask, “Why?” Some of the greatest men and women in the Bible asked God, “Why?” God is big enough to handle your questions. Questioning your circumstances is not the same as questioning God. Never doubt His love for you or His power to bring you through whatever you may be facing. One of the differences between defeat and victory in your problems is to move from the “Why?” to the “What?” and the “How?” “Lord, what are You trying to teach me in this situation?” “Father, how can You get the glory in this and through this?”
When you find yourself in a time of doubt, suffering, or sorrow, don’t magnify the storm–magnify the Lord. Focus on His presence, His promises (His Word), His power and ask the Lord to fill you with His peace. Your circumstances may not immediately change, but you will. The same God who was with Job through all of Job’s loss and suffering is the same God who is with you. The same God who calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee and brought His disciples through to the other side is the same God who can calm your storm and carry you through. The same God who was with three young men in a fiery furnace is the same God who will always be with you and can deliver you. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) When you don’t understand, trust His heart. God is working out His purposes in your life for your good and for His glory.