The Growth of FaithSample

WHY?

As a child, almost all of us at a certain stage would continuously ask, "Why?". Whatever answer is given to them, the children will come back asking, "Why?". Even though we have tried to be patient in providing answers that could be understood by the children, they will just answer flatly, "Oh, I see."

God's children often do this too. Like children, we ask, "Why?" when we experience sad and difficult things in our lives. We think that we will be able to control the situation if we know the reason (the ‘why’). In other words, we think that if we know God’s purpose for a certain situation, it will be easier for us to survive because we know for sure that our pain is well-intentioned.

We might not be able to see God’s purpose for the problems we are experiencing. When He doesn't reveal His intentions to us, we are expected to persevere in faith and not on our understanding of the situation. The above verse guarantees us that everything that happens to us has a purpose. Whatever its specific goal for each of us, we know that the general goal is still the same, which is to teach us, prepare us, and equip us to live successfully in the faith.

However, what we must always remember is that our life’s education to become perfect like Christ will never stop in our lifetime. We will continue to wrestle through one difficulty to another difficulty until we return to our Father in Heaven. Don't expect a holiday from all hardships while we are still in this world.

Therefore, whenever we think to ask, "Why?" to God, remember the truth of the verse from the book of James above. It is a part of God's plan to mature us. We will never know why, but we can trust that it is a part of God's curriculum in our journey of faith.

Today’s devotional 

1. Mention one example when we ask "Why?".

When do you understand God's purpose in a struggle?

2. What is our attitude after understanding God's purpose in the things that happen to us?

Today’s actions

Remember that God will not leave us alone when we are in a struggle. Be grateful that His presence and care for us is not based on feelings, but on the faithfulness to keep His promises to us.