When Painful Circumstances Make Us Question

One of the most gratifying moments of a parent’s life is when their adult children reflect on the decisions their parents made during their childhood and say, “Now I understand. You were right.” 

 Usually this epiphany comes once they have children of their own. Experiencing the weight of responsibility that rests heavily on a parent’s shoulders, they realize their God-given mandate to raise their children “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” They recognize that parents have knowledge, wisdom, and insight children don’t have. Feeling that overwhelming mama-bear or papa-bear desire to protect, they experience for themselves the fierce love that guides and motivates every action, rule, and decision. 

In a sentence, they get it. 

Truly blessed are the ones who go one step further and not only say, “Now I understand,” but also, “Thank you.” 

Job had a parent/child moment like this. Struggling through deeply painful circumstances, he questioned God’s goodness and wisdom. He suspected God character. He doubted God’s love. But then his perspective changed. 

 Although he didn’t comprehend all God’s ways, he came face to face with His wisdom, power, and might. As God revealed Himself to Job, God lifted his eyes from Job’s suffering to his Savior. He understood, as much as was humanly possible, that God’s Father heart had motivated every decision He had made on Job’s behalf. 

As my wise friend Jean Wilund says, “If we knew everything God knows, we’d make the same decisions he makes.” 

“Surely I spoke about things I did not understand,” Job said, “things too wonderful for me to know. . . . I had heard rumors about You, but now my eyes have seen You. 

“Therefore I take back my words and repent in dust and ashes” (Job 42:3, 5-6). If you’re struggling under the circumstances God has allowed into your life, you can trust Him. 

He who formed the world, hung the stars in place, and calls the lightning from heaven’s storehouses is more than able to order the events of your life—for your good and for God’s glory.

His love for you is great, and His heart is kind. Trust and obey. 

 One day, when sin, sorrow, and death are banished forever, we’ll understand. We’ll get it.

God will wipe the tears from our eyes and wrap us in a hug so fierce it squeezes the breath from our lungs. We’ll rest in the comfort His presence affords and bask in the peace of our relationship. After we’ve lingered for a while, we’ll tilt our head back, look deep into our Savior’s eyes, and say, 

“Now I understand. You were right.” 



Now it's your turn. When you're struggling with difficult circumstances, what aspect of God's character comforts you? Leave a comment below to share your thoughts. If you're reading by email, click HERE to visit Hungry for God online and leave a comment.


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Copyright 2018 by Lori Hatcher