The Why

As I  sit down at the keyboard in an attempt to bring a message for the season you may be walking through, I find myself writing about seasons I am going through as well. As I write these words I feel the Lord speaking to me as well as to you. I just want you, the reader, to know, “I have been there; I AM there.”

 why

adverb

1. for what reason or purpose.
   "why did he do it?"

In life we go through things that leave us scratching our heads and asking ourselves, “Why?”  It might be lost jobs, relationships, friends and even family. We walk through seasons of uncertainty and sorrow and we have a hard time understanding exactly the reason for it all. We throw pity parties and we say, “Woe is me.” Sometimes we even dare to forget everything good in our lives. Sometimes I find myself wondering, “Why,” and you may find yourself in similar situations. 

Let’s take a look at the above example of, “why,” used in a sentence. “Why did He do it?” What a heavy question. Why did Jesus die on the cross for us? Why did God let His only son die for the sin of the world? John 3:16 gives us a life-giving answer: “For God so loved the world, that he gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” The most selfless act in history was done for every generation of people to come, some of which will never believe in the amazing God we serve, all because of the unconditional, never-ending love of God. 

Now let’s go back to the beginning, “why?” It’s easy to ask but the short and simple answer is, “for the glory of God.” He is showing you things, removing people from your life, walking you through seasons that are not so comfortable because He loves you, He wants to know you more and in the end it will bring glory to our Mighty King who deserves it all. So a couple of perspective changers for the next time you find yourself in a less than optimal situation. Instead of asking, “Why?” ask, “What?”

“What are you teaching me, Lord?”

“What do I need to let go of God for your glory?”

“What are you trying to use me for?”

It sounds easy, perfectly placed on a neatly typed page but it is not a simple task. We are selfish by nature so if you struggle with this, it is going to take some practice. This life is more intricate than just what we see; God is working! So maybe it’s time to shift your focus and broaden your perspective.

Facing the Unknown

If you’re reading this, chances are you may be in a time in your life where you’re facing some unknowns. You may be questioning if you’re making the right decisions in certain aspects of your life or wondering what the future holds. Well guess what? I’m in the exact same situation. I’ve met a lot of you in the last few months and gotten to know some of your stories intimately and I’ve just got to say... ME TOO, y’all! We are at a crucial age in our lives where the decisions we make now will impact us for the rest of our lives and I know that weight is a heavy one, especially amid a pandemic. So first, take a deep breath and know you’re not alone. 

The blindness of walking through this life is something scary. But it’s a good thing Jesus tells us to keep our eyes on Him (Hebrews 12:2.) Ask yourself, “Where is my focus?’ We make our plans and we track our life but as most of you know, at the end of the day, if it’s not in God’s will it just isn’t going to happen. At certain turns we’re hitting roadblocks and having to circle back, and this can be disappointing but that’s because we can’t see exactly where the Lord is leading us. Have y’all ever heard that Carrie Underwood song, “Jesus take the Wheel”? Well she had the right idea, because that’s exactly what He’s doing and there is no better “driver” than the maker of the universe, can I get a (virtual) Amen?  

We’re staring blankly, wondering what God’s doing with our lives, but He’s already planned. He’s sending you down the paths He mapped for you long before you ever breathed, long before failed career paths, and way, WAY long before Covid-19. He’s closing doors and rerouting some of us according to His purpose. Through all this there are so many things that we don’t know. But the one thing we do know is the most important reassurance there is: That God knows, He’s driven down those roads and already seen the future, the ins and outs, and He’s divinely orchestrating our lives WAY better than we could ever imagine. So, keep making your plans, embrace the unknown, heed the voice of the Holy spirit, and relax into what you DO know and that is we serve an Almighty Father who is routing us into His divine purpose for all of eternity.  

Verses of encouragement when facing the unknown  

Jeremiah 29:11

Psalm 32:8

John 10:27-29

Isaiah 43:2