“We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.” – 1 Cor. 4:10
Christians are, in the eyes of the world, an odd bunch. They are devoted to a Lord they cannot see, trust a Savior who doesn’t spare them from suffering, follow Christ who warned them they would be hated and persecuted, and love a God who refuses to give an explanation. They are committed to Him although He has imposed strict demands upon them and required great sacrifices from them. They trust Him although they are subjected to suffering just like, or worse than, the rest of the world. One could understand them if they were promised a life of ease and exemption from trials, but such is not the case. Instead, the best people often suffer the worst problems. That’s why the “Why?” question is so popular.
And it’s not just the world that is confused. Let’s face it, sometimes even we Christians wonder “Why?”. Although we might not be so bold as to demand an explanation for our suffering, we often wonder, “Is this really necessary?”. O, we know what the answer should be, but some how we feel that there surely must be a better way, a less painful way, for God to accomplish His purpose in our lives. We read the quotes from those who try to explain God’s purpose for our pain, but when all is said and done we’re still left with that nagging question “Why?”. And we try to reason it out. We tell ourselves that since these explanations are true, should we not accept suffering, be pleased with pain, and even rejoice in it as Paul did. But we have a hard time saying “Yes indeed”.
There’s something in all of us that prefers pleasure over pain and desires to escape suffering. That’s why we wonder “Is this really necessary?”. Then about the time we are convinced that the answer is “Yes”, we look around and see someone who has escaped what we experienced and we wonder “Why?”. Our pride causes us to think it is unfair. We reason, if suffering is essential why is it not the same for all? The answer is – because we are all different, and in different situations, but I doubt that will answer all your questions. The fact is, we cannot understand all the ways of God, so we must trust Him. If we truly needed an explanation God would have given it. – HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
