“We are so quick to judge the quality of our lives and the reliability of God based on individual events rather than the eventual good God is working on putting together. We must know that just like the master baker has reasons to allow the flour and eggs in right measure into his recipe, Jesus . . . will do the same with the hard times and dry times. . . . There’s purpose in the pain and joy in the making of a life with Jesus.”- Lysa TerKeurst
Lysa TerKeurst concludes Chapter 11 of It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way as she discusses understanding how to consider it all pure joy. That position rises and falls on our commitment to trust God in the midst of circumstances we cannot conceive of as good.
However, when you life gets turned upside down, you’ll ask your favorite question: Why? Yet, Ms. TerKeurst asserts, that question will serve you well. For nonstop wrestling with this question teaches you something many people never learn. Hence, Lysa notes, you come to realize that God didn’t do these things to you. He did them for you. Therefore, when God turns life upside down, in doing so you’ll live right side up.
Furthermore, quashing the why question kills the passion-filled purpose that gives you an answer. Yes, you’ll never know the answers to your why questions. And even if your knew the answers, Ms. TerKeurst stresses, it wouldn’t make anything better. Because only God can bear the full weight of those answers.
In conclusion, Lysa cautions, your perfections and performances never create a connection with others. But, as the author explains, tears = a liquid magnet to draw others in:
“Perfection intimidates. Compassion inspires. And in that you will finally find the why. Why did this happen? Because there’s someone else in the world who would drown in their own tears if not for seeing yours.”
Today’s question: When have you been quick to judge the reliability of God? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: the annotated bibliography of It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way
