Life gives us challenges, difficulties, even traumas that rock our being to the core. They leave us asking why God? Why is this happening? Why me?
I have had these moments at many times throughout my life. Even a quick survey of my family and friends can cause me to wonder why God? There was a time in my life when this question lingered longer. I had just began my journey through remembering and dealing with the “icky neighbor.” I had sunk into a depression. My faith was shaken. Everything in my life had become dim. My hope had diminished to a tiny flickering light in the distance. I held tightly to a small hope that trusted God would carry me through when I had no strength to hold on to Him.
Depression, a terrible diagnosis, job loss etc. are all things that can leave us questioning why God would let this happen. We live in a broken world. It didn’t take me long to realize, “why not me.” We aren’t promised a life without pain and suffering. We are promised that God will be with us through everything this world throws at us. I started to see that I couldn’t change what life brought me, but I could change my response to it knowing God was with me every step of the way. The more I leaned into that promise the stronger I became.
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV).
God promises us over and over in scripture that He will never leave us. I have learned to lean into that promise when I find myself asking why God?
Hear God telling you: I will never leave you. I have you in the palm of my hand. I will bring beauty and goodness out of this. My heart breaks with yours. Let me repair it. Lay down your burdens. Lay down your sorrow. I will rescue your heart. Will you trust me in the darkness to bring you to the light? I will carry you when you have no strength to hang on. I will never leave you
Trusting God to carry you through can be scary at first. Try it. Lean into it. Feel the peace that only comes through an unconditional, Grace filled love. Scripture, prayer, song all bring me back to that security reminding me I don’t do this alone.
Are you willing to stop asking why and trust a love and grace larger than we can imagine? God’s promise is for everyone. There are no special requirements.
How have you learned to trust God’s promise? Share your story here and breathe life and bring hope to others.