Why, God?

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.  Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though the waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. 

– Psalm 46:1-3

When I arrive in heaven, I plan to ask Jesus a lot of questions.  Most of them will start with WHY.  I picture the two of us in a lovely café overlooking heaven’s beauty as I ask,

Jesus, WHY…

• Didn’t you heal them from cancer when I know you have the power to?
• Did you allow a drunk driver to crash into a young man who was planning to serve You all summer in an orphanage in Uganda?
• Didn’t you stop a bright student from falling into drug addiction and overdosing when she had so much potential to make a difference in this world?

What why questions would you ask Jesus if you stood face to face?

I’ve spent time with the people who’ve asked God these exact “why” questions.  They’re wrestling to better understand God’s plan after the world as they knew it was turned upside down.  

The Psalmist tells us we will have times in our lives when the earth gives way, the mountains fall into the sea, and the waters roar surge above our heads (Psalm 46:2-3).  We receive a phone call that brings us to our knees.  Everything we’ve worked so hard to build collapses, burying us in the rubble of a broken relationship, unemployment, or an empty bank account. 

This is exactly why Psalm 46 begins with, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble.”  God is, not God was.  God is present, not distant.  God is your hiding place, your refuge when everything is shaking and scary.  God is your strength when you’re at the end of your rope. God is…

Who is God to you?  How you answer is critical to how you endure hardships in your life.  If you believe God is listening to your cries for help, then you will pray often and know that He will meet you in crisis.  If you believe God is your good father, you will go to Him for shelter from the storm.  If you believe God is abounding in love, you will cling to His hand and walk through the fire.  If you believe God is mighty to save, then you will know in the depths of your heart that He is able to use even this disaster for good one day.

Jesus said, “In this life you will have trouble, but take heart I have overcome the world.”  Jesus wants us to know in our hearts that God is with us, for us, and loves us in the midst of chaos, crisis, and confusion.  

You are not alone when your world shakes or comes undone.  Go ahead and ask Jesus your hard “why” questions.  He’s waiting to remind you that He is your refuge and strength, an ever-present help in your time of trouble.  

The Power of Giving God Thanks Will Ignite Your Faith and Change Your World!

Thank You for Being a Part of the 3 O’Clock Wake Up Movement