A Better Question To Ask

When we go through difficult circumstances, it's very normal and human to question why. We don't understand why a good God would allow such a thing. I once heard a friend mention that she had learned not to ask "Why me?" and had instead learned to say "Why not me?"



I understand her thinking. None of us should ever be so arrogant to believe that we're somehow above trouble and difficulty.



But recently, I've learned an even better question to ask.



What is God trying to teach me through this?



I'm not trying to suggest that every trial is allowed in our lives because God is trying to teach us a lesson, but I am suggesting that there is an opportunity for God to grow us through hard times.



Even Job was able to learn a valuable lesson through his ordeal. Here's just a snippet of what God taught him.



"Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? .... Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct Him? Let him who accuses God answer Him." (Job 38:4; 40:2, NIV)



After a second round of questioning by the Almighty, Job answers, and his words reveal that he has indeed learned about God.





"My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes." (Job 42:5-6)





Notice that Job isn't repenting because he thinks he's done something to deserve his difficulties. He's repenting because he didn't trust more fully the One who allowed the difficulties in the first place. God always has something to teach us, and we always having something we need to learn. It may just be the storms of life where He can best get our attention.



Father God, as much as we dislike difficult circumstances, help us to realize that You can use those hard times to teach us and grow us. May we willingly submit to Your Lordship and learn what You would have us learn. Amen.