Chapter One
We May Ask Why
If the Lord Jesus cried out on His cross, "My God,
my God, why have you forsaken me?" is it okay for me to
ask the question "Why?"
I wondered that for the longest time. My cries of
"Why, God, why?" weren't voiced out of anger. For the
most part, it was just a human cry of desperation, out of
my own agony.
Over the years I've discovered it's no sin to ask the
Lord why things happen. God can handle our questions.
But here's the important thing: Can we handle His answers?
Yes, there are answers. But many of us get so caught
up in asking "Why me?" that we forget about seeking
those answers. The fact is, we may not like them. They
may be hard to swallow. But we can't ignore the truth that
God can and often does give crystal clear answers to our
heart's deepest questions.
So why has God allowed the hurt you're facing today?
You might find part of your answer in the words of Peter:
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful
trial you are suffering, as though something strange
were happening to you. But rejoice that you may
participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you
may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
1 Peter 4:12-13
You see, part of the answer to the "whys" you are asking
might be that God wants you to have a small share in
the sort of suffering your Savior went through.
Paul echoes a similar thought:
Now if we are children, then we are heirs-heirs
of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we
share in his sufferings in order that we may also
share in his glory.
Romans 8:17
Once again God gives us at least a partial answer to
our "why" questions. It's almost as though God is saying
to us, Why not? If Jesus went through so much . so much
suffering and heartache to secure for us that which we
don't deserve . if He went through the pain, why should
we complain if we have to endure a tiny part of what He
endured on our behalf?
The Bible makes it clear that suffering is mysteriously
and intimately linked with the glory that lies beyond. The
Bible passages we considered today remind us we can
rejoice over the privilege of participating in the sufferings
of Christ-so that we will be overjoyed when we share in
His glory to come.
Granted, that may not be anything close to the kind of
answer we want or expect to the questions we ask of God.
But God's not the one who has to prove Himself here.
You've been more than ready to ask the questions.
The real issue is, will you accept His answers?
Wayside Interlude
"I'm speechless, in awe-words fail me.
I should never have opened my mouth!
I've talked too much, way too much.
I'm ready to shut up and listen."
Job 40:4-5, The Message
As a result, I can really know Christ and experience
the mighty power that raised him from the
dead. I can learn what it means to suffer with him,
sharing in his death, so that, somehow, I can experience
the resurrection from the dead!
Philippians 3:10-11, NLT
Before you can accept God's answers, you first must hear
them. You must allow Him time and opportunity to respond to
your questions. He has promised wisdom to those who ask (James
1:5), but don't expect Him to shout or leave a text message on your
cell phone. He will speak into the stillness of a quiet, listening,
seeking heart.
(Continues.)
