Why Does God…..?

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.
Isaiah 55:8 (NIV)

How often have you heard someone start a question with “Why does God…” and then go on with “allow wars” or “not prevent suffering” or even “let me be rich”?
We question why one cancer sufferer recovers while another dies, or why bad people seem to do well.

There is an answer but you probably won’t like it.
The answer is, we don’t know.
Sometimes we might think we know why something goes the way it does but mostly we don’t.

We think that God should do things the way we would.
Unfortunately history is littered with example of disastrous results flowing from human beings doing it their way.
Our world, our relationships and even our own lives are vastly more complex than what our limited minds can understand.

God tells us that our thoughts are not his thoughts.
He is capable of seeing all the results of all events, and ensuring that everything works out right.
Only a Being of incomprehensible power could do this.
We have no more right to question how God works than the right of a clay pot to question the potter.

Instead of asking “Why?” we should be giving thanks that God is in control. Nothing happens without an effect or purpose, and those effects or purposes are for our ultimate good. (Romans 8:28 NIV, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”)

When we wonder why God allows one thing or prevents another we may not get an answer.
We can know that whatever happens, it will be worked out in some mysterious and wonderful way to our good.

Prayer
Father in heaven, we thank you that your thoughts are so much greater than ours.
We can only see our own needs while you comprehend the needs of the whole world.
We thank you that you are the all-powerful, all-knowing God who alone can orchestrate life on this beautiful planet.
Thank you.
In Jesus’ name.
Amen

Study by Jim Robertson