Vol. 21 No. 03 | January 21, 2019
A few weeks ago, my oldest granddaughter, Isabel, was attending a basketball game with her Dad while I was at a different basketball game in another city. Her Dad and I were texting back and forth about the game when I received a text from Isabel.
She texted, “Why…just why.” (Giggles)
I responded, “Because…just because.”
Her response: “That’s funny.”
I smiled, enjoying the first of what I hope to be many texts from my granddaughter(s).
I smile each time I think about our text exchange. And it makes me wonder how many times the word why comes up in everyday conversation.
Curious children love why questions. “Why is the sky blue?” “Why do I have a belly button?” “Why do I have to eat three more bites before I can have ice cream?” “Why can’t I go to bed when I want to?” Why did you tell me to stop asking why?”
We too, ask why, but our questions are often more serious. “Why did my husband leave me and the children?” “Why did my mother have to die when I needed her most?” “Why must I go through life alone?” “Why can’t I find a job?” “Why did our son do what he did?” “Why can’t we get pregnant?” “Why…just why?”
For some questions, there are easy, logical answers that can be explained scientifically, or by referencing the Bible, or learning from the wisdom and experiences of others. But for other questions, the answers don’t come as easily.
In 2 Corinthians 2:8-10, NIV, Paul searched for answers from God, and He provided them.
Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
In the song, The Reason for the World, Matthew West and Matthew Joseph explain why they believe we have to endure pain.
But maybe the reason for the pain
Is so we would pray for strength
And maybe the reason for the strength
Is so that we would not lose hope
And maybe the reason for all hope
Is so that we could face the world
And the reason for the world
Is to make us long for home.
—
“Why…just why.” (Giggles)
“Because…just because.”
Sometimes that’s the only answer we have because we won’t understand what God has planned for us until He chooses to reveal it.
And even then, sometimes we just have to accept the outcome. Even when we question His methods, we have to trust that He is always conspiring for our greatest good.
And that, Isabel, is the undisputable answer to your question…
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