Laughing Jesus by Robert Wilson, Sr.
I know today’s scripture is one we’ve all heard hundreds of times before, but I believe the Lord must be trying to tell me something, and perhaps He wants to tell you, too.
In just the past 5 or 6 days, I’ve had similar conversations with ladies in multiple venues: Several women at two different weekend retreats where I was the speaker; on a phone call with a lady who had questions about Christian Communicators Conference; at a restaurant where I met with a precious CC sister; and in the car with a dear young lady who picked me up at the airport.
In each situation, the sister in the Lord had either gone through or was currently going through a difficult situation and–at least at one point–wasn’t sure what God was doing. In each case, there were two questions regarding the struggle:
Why this, Lord? Why now?
I couldn’t believe I had heard the repeated refrain over and over again. Not necessarily in those same words, but it had been the same basic conflict in each case: Why was this happening and why was it happening now, at this point in my life?
Why am I having this conflict in my marriage at a time when I’m growing closer to you?
Why did I go through this completely unexpected medical issue at this young age?
Why did I let that sin overtake me when I have such a precious family?
Why did that woman discourage me at a time when I feel I’m following God’s direction?
Why this? Why now?
As I kept hearing these questions and talking and praying with these ladies, one verse continued to replay itself over and over in my heart and mind. It’s one we all learned early in our walk with Christ, and yet its words ring truer to me today than ever before as this world and our culture grow further and further from God.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, whohave been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (NIV)
Why this? God often uses His own blessings to draw us to Himself, whether it’s complications in our health or our children or our marriages.
Why now? Satan often uses the deepest joys of our hearts to attempt to put a distance between us and the Father.
But the good news is, the Lord is always the victor, because what Satan meant for evil, God can turn it upside down and use it for good.
I can look back on several hardships in my life that seemed to have been anything but a blessing. And yet it was those very things that God used to ultimately orchestrate His perfect will for my life and my family. If the struggle hadn’t happened, the good couldn’t have come about. It’s as simple as that.
Why this and why now?
Because it had to be. Because God wants to give us His best and bring glory to His name.
I pray His blessing on the work of your hands and your hearts,
Vonda
Thanks for sharing!
Parting Words From The WORD…Why This? Why Now? The answer may surprise you. @vondaskelton (Click to Tweet)
