The Big Questions

Every so often circumstances present themselves for me to really ask some big questions. Unfortunately this time it is tragedy and unwelcomed hardship. In the past three weeks I've had to experience and walk with others through some of the most difficult moments in life. These are the moments in life that don't make any sense. These are the moments that leave us asking why? I'm sure you've been there. If you've lived on this earth more than a few years, chances are you've walked this road.
It's interesting to me that we only ask the big questions when we are faced with circumstances we don't understand. It leaves us feeling helpless and without answers.
God has taken me on an interesting journey with my questions. The first place is Isaiah 55:8 - "for my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord." But this doesn't really help. I recently heard a sermon where the pastor said that this is like your mom or dad saying, "because I told you so." It is true...His ways are higher than ours, but when we are walking the road of hurt and pain we want more.
So check this out, James 1:2-4 - "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." What an amazing answer...that these trials are necessary for us to become mature and complete. If we want to be all that God made us to be, we must walk through the valley. We must endure hardship and trial.
But is this even enough for comfort? How about this...Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." It is a reminder that God is good and does work even tragedy and heartache for good in this messed up world. Can we trust this? Can we believe this?
I think we can. I think pain should drive us to the place where the most pain was ever felt...on the cross. And on the cross it was evident that "God demonstrates His own love for us in this...that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Knowing that life would be painful, He endured all of it for us. And in that determination, we can rest in the truth that He will work it for good...maybe we won't understand it on this side of heaven, but we can trust without understanding...that is faith.
So when it seems hopeless and it seems unbearable....remember the cross...and how much He loves. And have faith that God will not allow the pain without redemption.