When We Don't Understand Why

Sermon notes for message given (by me) on 21-2-16.


Title: 'When we don't understand why bad things happen to God's people'

When accidents, ill-health or other negative things happen to you, do you become obsessed with such questions as, "Why me? Why now?  Why? Why? Why?"

God is under no obligation to tell us why negative things happen to us!

That is NOT the most important question to ask, from God's perspective.

God can see 'the big picture' in everyone's life!  He can see the end from the beginning.  He is all-wise and all-knowing!

Isaiah 55:8, 9 reads "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord.  9) For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts."   

The question we should ask when something bad happens to us is, "How can I make this work out for the maximum good for myself and others?"

Our response to our pain, our hurts and our suffering  is more important than trying to understand why God has allowed it to happen to us.

If we are a child of God (ie a Christian) and walking in line with the Spirit of God , no matter what happens to us is done with God's full knowledge and permissive will.  Sometimes, God causes it to happen to us for our good.  Sometimes, the devil is responsible for our bad misfortune.  Also, remember, time and chance happen to everyone at one time or another (Eccl 9:11).

There will be accidents, misfortune, illness etc in life but it's much better to suffer as a child of God.  Those who are not Christians do not have Jesus to help them through their time of trouble and tribulation.  You will be victorious IF you fix your eyes on Jesus instead of your problem!

Lamentations 3:22, 23 reads, Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.  23) They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.

All God's people should start every day with prayer and time spent reading the Bible.  That way, if anything happens to you during the day, your mind and heart will be focused on God and His Word and His love and concern for you. You will not easily be discouraged and prone to bouts of self-pity. The devil will not find it easy to discourage you and you will be strong in the Lord when you most need Him.

The Word of God is like a spiritual shield that protects your mind from the fiery darts of the evil one (Eph 6:16).  It's been said discouragement is one of the devils most successful 'fiery darts' or weapons against Christians.  Stay close to God and be blessed by Him and protected from the wiles of the devil.

God has promised us He will always be with His people (Heb 13:5; Matt 28:20; Deut 4:31).

Jesus offers those who are His - help, hope and rest, if we put our trust in Him (Matt 11:28-30).

If we learn to 'trust and obey' the Lord, He will help us through our bad and good times.

God wants us to endure or 'stand firm' through whatever happens to us (Matt 10:22; 24:13).

Hebrews 10: 38 reads "But the righteous one shall live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him.  39) But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved."

All this involves 'counting the cost' of becoming a disciple of Jesus (Lk 14:28 and Lk 9:62).

Consider 2 Cor 1:3,4, Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4) who comforts us in all our trouble, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

When we have suffered a painful illness or experience and, with God's help, been healed or delivered, we are in a better position to help and encourage those who face the same trial or hardship.

God is merciful to all His children (Ex 34:6; Joel 2:13; James 5:11).  Remember Job's wonderful faith and trust in God when he was going through his terrible trial (Job 13:15a), 'Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him'.

1 Peter 5:6, 7, 10 read: Humble yourselves therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. 7) Cast all your anxiety on Him who cares for you. 10) And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

A great and wonderful blessing is guaranteed to all those who trust God's promises and His Word.

So, when you experience pain or suffering or anything negative, try to put the experience to the maximum use for the good of others.  Don't waste a great opportunity to be a blessing to others.  Ask God to use you and follow the lead of the Spirit. Also, let the negative experience draw you closer to God, your loving heavenly Father. Look for the positive and avoid dwelling on the negative in every situation you find yourself.

In other words, always look on the bright side of life.  With God's help, you can!




This message was inspired by Dr Charles Stanley's 20 minute video sermon, 'When we don't understand why'.

Link:  www.intouch.org/watch/when-we-dont-understand-why