"Why, Lord?"

Published 5/13/19

Read 1 Peter 5:10

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

Reflect

• How should we react when hard times hit? How should we pray?

• Do you trust that God will see you through the challenges?

• Why is it important to get a perspective from a trusted friend, as well?

When an otherwise peaceful life suddenly collides with a painful circumstance, often the first question out of our mouths is, "Why, Lord?" Here are three thoughts to ponder when you encounter hard times.

Maybe Our Faith Is Being Tested. "A faith that can't be tested can't be trusted," observes author Warren W. Wiersbe. "Faith is only as good as the object of that faith, and our faith is in the one true and living God, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit."

Maybe God Is Saving Us from Our Own Arrogance. Overconfidence is a big deal to the Lord because it poses a serious danger to our souls. God permits dramatic challenges in our lives in order to save us from arrogance.

Maybe it's Just a Fact of Life. Trials and temptations are a part of life. They help us remember to rely on God; otherwise we tend to go our own way.

Pray

Lord Jesus, I don't like the turmoil that life throws our way from time to time. And when I'm in the middle of it, I often don't understand why I have to endure it. Help me to trust You and know that You will restore peace. Amen.