I’m not trying to be disrespectful of my God and Creator, but sometimes I find myself frustrated with Him.
Can I say that?
Do you ever wonder why He allows certain things to happen, and in other situations – that could really use a big dose of God – things seem to sit dormant?
At times… I cannot wrap my brain around why God handles things the way He does.
- Sure, sometimes it makes complete sense.
- Other times, hindsight is 20/20.
- But sometimes, we are clueless.
Proverbs 3:5 in the Message says, “Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own.”
This is hard for me.
You see… I’m a self-professed figure-outer.
The bottom line is that – I want to know. I want to have a game plan in place. I want to be able to make sense of things. I want to see how things will end up.
I want to be able to predict the strategy… the ending… the answer… the direction.
But my humanness keeps me in a place where ALL I CAN DO is trust God.
And to be perfectly honest, at times that really annoys me.
Oh gosh… I’m really throwing it out there today, friends.
Can anyone relate to this?
Listen, I’ve been a Christ-follower for years. I speak and write about God’s goodness and faithfulness. I’m raising my kids to trust God and His timing. I have seen God show up in huge ways in my life.
- I know God’s plans are to prosper me and not harm me.
- I know He will finish a good work in me.
- I know His plans are to give me a hope and a future.
But there are times and situations where I struggle to understand God.
Really? You, too?
In Isaiah 55:8, God says “I don’t think the way you think. The way you work isn’t the way I work.” (MSG)
So maybe, I am asking the wrong question.
You know… that “why” question can get us into trouble. Because the truth is that we may never know this side of Heaven.
What if instead, we asked God the “where” question?
- Where are you in this?
- Where do you want me to be?
- Where do I need to submit?
- Where in my thought life can I change?
- Where can I co-partner with you?
When we do that, we are acknowledging that God is – indeed – present and active in our circumstance. We are submitting to His authority… and His way of doing things. We are asking to be part of His plan.
Sisters… doesn’t that make more sense?
So, think about it. In what situation do you need to change your “why” question to a “where” question?
©2011 careyscotttalks.com
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OY I can so relate. I am a planner also a Plan B person. Need that fall back plan incase something goes wrong. How much energy we must waste with all this? Great insights today. Pondering.
I can totally relate. I’ve been asking God this all night. Perfect blog for today!
Carey, that is some really good stuff. Very wise as well. And … I can say it’s wise because I learned that first hand, of changing my questions from why, to where. A significant part of my healing from my past came from that precise “strategy” (for lack of better word). I was driving crying, longing for the pain to stop. I was smack dab in the middle of the healing process, but I just couldn’t figure out this one area of my life. And as I drove, sobbing, the Holy Spirit (that’s the only explanation), changed my hearts prayer of why to, “Okay God, I’ll stop asking why, but if you can show me WHERE you were when my mom died and I was running after that ambulance screaming and crying for them to bring her back. If you can show me WHERE you were when I was crying into my pillow alone at night because nobody would comfort or hold me. If you can show WHERE you were when my Foster father abused me night after night …” The list went on and on. And Carey, He showed me! IF He had spoken audibly I couldn’t have heard Him any more clearly, “I was THERE every second of your childhood. There was nothing you went through where I was not your side. BUT, just as I allowed my Son, Jesus, your Savior, to take on your sin, and the sin of the world and suffer in agony, and I turned my face away from Him, I allowed you to experience what you experienced because I knew that one day you would have a passion for hurting women, and I knew that you would need to be able to understand their pain on a very deep level. I didn’t cause the evil in your life, but I allowed it, so that you would be equipped for your passion.”
Sorry this is so long Carey. You just hit the nail on the head and I had to share how incredibly healing a simple change in our heart’s prayer, from “why” to “where” can heal the deepest pain.
Thanks, Carey, for the great thoughts on the difference between why and where questions. Where questions get my heart set on Him and expecting those ways He works all things out for good. Right now I’m challenged to make Him my Enough. There’s no other cure for a dissatisfied and discontented heart.
Help me push through to You, my Joy-Giver!
Ruth
hello again my dear sister. i was challenge again about your post, my friend im struggling about this feeling, doubt, fear,hopelessness please help me pray, i really dont understand about what was happening between me and my husband im here abroad working and he is with our daughter but our marriage never been get better but getting worst, i dont know what to think anymore, please help pray, please…thank you. God bless.
Excellent Carey! The “where” rather than “why” let’s us trust more the Lord and our own way!
Oh sister! Speak it girl! Thanks for your transparency and honesty…it resonates deeply with me! Love you!