God, Why Is This Happening to Me? by Rick Warren “We don’t know everything, and our prophecies are not complete.... Now all we can see of God is like a cloudy picture in a mirror. Later we will see him face to face. We don’t know everything, but then we will, just as God completely understand us.” (1 Corinthians 13:9, 12 CEV) In his pain and despair, Job asked a lot of legitimate questions: “Why let people go on living in misery? Why give light to those in grief?” (Job 3:20 TEV) This “why” question is human nature, and we all ask it. We have this misconception that if we understand the reason behind our pain, then it will make the pain easier. You don’t need an explanation; you need strength. You don’t need an explanation; you need a Savior. You don’t need an explanation; you need comfort and support. But we always go looking for an explanation! We ask questions like, “Why did that person walk out of my life? Why did he make a promise to me and then break it? Why did he hurt me? Why did I lose my job? Why did she die? Why did I get sick?” Friends, I’ve been studying the “why” question for 37 years, and I’m going to give you my educated answer: I don’t know. And I’m never going to know, because I’m not God. And neither are you! Some things we’re just never going to understand until we get to the other side of death. Then it’s all going to become very, very clear. Only God knows. And if you don’t get his answer right off the bat, you might as well stop asking “Why?” because you’re simply prolonging the pain. Proverbs 25:2 says, “It is God’s privilege to conceal things” (LB). God is a God of revelation. He reveals himself through nature, circumstances, and Scripture. The only reason you know anything about God is because he has chosen to reveal himself. But the Bible says God doesn’t just reveal; God also conceals. And sometimes God intentionally hides his face from us. Why? So we’ll learn to trust him instead of our feelings and to live by faith rather than our feelings. God doesn’t owe you an explanation for anything. God doesn’t have to check in with you first before he does something. God doesn’t have to get your permission before he allows things to happen in life. God is God, and we’re not always going to understand why some things happen. The Bible says, “We don’t know everything, and our prophecies are not complete.... Now all we can see of God is like a cloudy picture in a mirror. Later we will see him face to face. We don’t know everything, but then we will, just as God completely understand us” (1 Corinthians 13:9, 12 CEV). One day it’s all going to be clear. It’s all going to make sense. You’re going to be able to say, “So that’s why God allowed that in my life!” Until then, God wants you to trust him. Talk It Over What are some questions you need to let go of and store in the “Ask God When I Get to Heaven” file? How does letting go of your “why” questions increase your faith? How can you encourage someone today who has been questioning God and why he allowed something to happen in his or her life? *** *** *** Enjoy today’s devotional? Listen instantly to the full audio message at RickWarren.org/listen. Did someone forward this Daily Devotional to you? Get your own free subscription to The Daily Hope Devotional, your daily inspiration via email. Our Gift: Son of God Study Kit What is your #1 goal in Life? Your answer to that question will reveal your dominant life value. Everyone has one whether they realize it or not. Its what we unconsciously base our decisions on. Find yours... MORE Uncommon Courage: Complete Series Everyone has a life principle, whether it’s comfort, fun, safety, or affirmation. Join Pastor Rick for this series that walks through the ways to make love the most important goal of your life and be obedient to Christ: “Let love be your greatest aim” (1 Corinthians 14:1). MORE This devotional is based on the current Daily Hope radio series at rickwarren.org. Rick Warren has helped people live with hope and purpose for more than 40 years. He’s the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Southern California and author of several books, including “The Purpose Driven Church” and “The Purpose Driven Life,” read by more than 100 million people in 137 languages. He created the PEACE Plan (plant churches of reconciliation, equip servant leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, educate the next generation), which is used by churches in 196 countries. His radio teaching and daily devotional, Daily Hope, is offered across America. This devotional ©2014 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Follow Us: Follow Pastor Rick on facebook and Twitter. This message was intended for: adisalaw2006@yahoo You were added to the system July 30, 2013. For more information click here. Update your preferences | Unsubscribe
Posted on: Wed, 12 Mar 2014 05:08:21 +0000
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