Christian or not, I'm sure that everone who has an understanding of God has asked these questions at one time in their lives, "God, why did you let this happen?' or "God, why am I going through this?" It's an easy question to ask but would you be able to accept God's answer if He told you?
If you lost a loved one would you be able to accept God's reason for the loss if it didn't line up with what you believed was the right course of action for their lives? Or what about the job you REALLY wanted but didn't get? Would you accept God's answer of "It's not the right one?" What if you saw your friends getting ahead in life. They live in a big house, drive nice cars, wear the latest fashions, go on expensive vacations over and over, and have all the nice, new toys? Would you be able to accept God's answer of "You don't need those things; you only need me." I would like to share with you of my life experiences.
Before working at the company I am currently employed with I was hired as a contractor for a tempory position in a field that I had previously worked in for 5 yrs. At the time, this was my first real job in a long while that I enjoyed doing, was familiar with the work, and payed me a fairly decent wage. A few months into the job I was given the opportunity to interview for a full time position. I had almost 5 yrs. direct experience in the industry, a bachelors degree in a relative field, military experience that was applicable, and was the only real potential candiate amongst my peers. The interview went extremely well and I was sure that God would give me this job. Also , I really needed a full time job and I REALLY wanted this one. I was giving it to God in prayer and everything seemed to line up perfectly! However, the position was given to another peer who was fresh out of college with no real on-the-job experience. Needless to say I was infuriated! I was so angry with God! I wanted answers! How could He let this happen to me! What did I do to be punished?! I learned a few valuable lessons over the next few weeks.
First, my attitude was wrong. My expectations were that I SHOULD get that job. I felt that I was the best candidate but that is only MY opinion. I may have been more qualified but it still doesn't mean that I was the right candidate. God knows me completely and He knows the job and the future of the position and the company. Nothing escapes his attention. I could only see the immediate gratification of what the job offered but it could be that God was protecting me from a bad situation. Maybe the job would be eliminated a year from then or maybe I couldn't perform the job to the company's expectations. When I gave it to God I handed it to him as though I need Him to give it to me, not to seek His wisdom and blessing.
Next, I truly wasn't appreciative of the position I was currently occupying. I felt that what I was doing was beneath me and that I was more important and deserved better. I was on my last month of unemployement when I got this contract job and it was definitely a blessing form God. In the timeframe of 2 days I got the call and then was hired. If this opportunity didn't come along I was out of money but God took care of me. Instead of appreciating what I was given I was already looking to the next opportunity. Just like a child who gets a toy and the next day they want a new one because the other one is old and boring I too approached God with this attitude. My thankfullness was short lived and I expected more.
Finally, my expectations of our relationship were completely skewed. I viewed God as a "gimme" God. I felt that because I was going to church and serving in a ministry, was praying regularly, reading my bible, and generally being a good person that God should bless me, MORE! Haven't you put God in this position before? Can you hear yourself say, "I'm doing everyhting right, when is God going to bless me with what I want?" Well, Serving God and getting blessed is not a straight 1 for 1. Just because were good, doesn't mean we'll get. That was the hardest lesson for me to learn, but I did learn it. What I came to understand was that I was living the blessings he had already given me.
1) a job
2) a car
3) food
4) shelter
5) my health
6) money
7) family
8) friends
9) Salvation
10) A personal relationship with Him
I ended up losing the job soon after in the first week of my new marriage. It wasn't because of anything I did, the contract ended. I was on unemployement again found myself in the same position. However, I believe the job I have now is a much better opportunity that what I didn't previously get.. I didn't even have to interview for the position! This job has truly been a blessing as it has allowed my wife to be a stay at home mommy. There are many other benefits that have come from this opportunity that looking back, may not have been possible with the one.
I will admit that I am not perfect and this post is in no way way going to be able to justify every situation as why we don't get an answer. God has His reasons. I wanted to have you step outside your comfort zone and be honest with yourself by asking the question "If God chose to give me the answers to the questions of my pain, would I accept His answer, trust that He knows best, and continue to maintain or increase my level of faith?" One last thing, I hope I didn't discourage you from asking Him. He is a loving Father who always is there for you.
Scriptures from the Bible
1) Proverbs 3:5-6
5- Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6- In all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.
2) Jeremiah 29:11
11- "For I know the plans I have for you," declares tthe Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
3) Isaiah 55:8-9
8- "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord.. 9- "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts."
4) Matthew 7:7-11
7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
