Have you ever been through something when what God sends you doesn’t make sense?

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I’m not talking about just when you go through hard situations. You see, there are some hard situations where you can more easily see what God might be doing. And sometimes there are even Scriptures that seem to speak directly to your situation.

For example, losing a loved one. A grandparent for example. That’s hard. I hope that I’m not insensitive in saying this, but for me, I understand that they’re actually not suffering anymore. They’re with Jesus. It’s actually better for them to be there.

I'm reminded of the beautiful passage in 1 Corinthians 15:51-58.

Or what about a physical injury? Like Joni Eareckson Tada. God redeemed her story; her ministry has brought many many people to Christ. 

But what about things where you can't see the good? Where it doesn't seem to make sense at all. Like losing a child or having a child or a spouse walk away from the faith. How can that be good?

Maybe it will make your faith stronger.

But you see, I think that’s the problem with humans. We’re always looking for something that somehow works to make our life better.

But what if it doesn’t make our life better? What if it’s just bad?

Paul answers that in Romans 9. 

We say things like "God was gracious" when our loved ones were spared from a life or death situation or when things work out the way we want them to. But what if it didn't happen that way? Would we still call him gracious? Do we think of God just like our good luck charm? 

I think we see a helpful answer in the book of Job. 

Tim Keller says, "Is it possible that a man or woman can come to love God for himself alone so that there is a fundamental contentment in life regardless of circumstances? Yes, this is possible, but only through prayer."

We forget the power of prayer. We deny ourselves the flood of grace that is available if we would just pray. 

Let's commit to trusting God, wrestling with God, bringing all of our grievances before him. Let's commit to pray.

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