“A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way?” Proverbs 20:24, NIV
The most anguished words I have ever prayed were, “Why, God?” Perhaps you can relate?
My son Stephen was not achieving expected developmental milestones and was frequently sick. No matter what I did, I was unable to soothe him. At the age of one, Stephen was still unable to sleep through the night. I was sleep-deprived, on edge, and barely getting through each day. And then I got a phone call. The doctor explained all the test results to me. He explained that my son had contracted a virus while in utero. His prognosis was not promising. My son would have developmental delays, learning disabilities, and might never walk.
My initial response was shock, then denial. Perhaps the doctor was wrong. Next, I began to blame myself. I thought this wouldn’t have happened if I had taken better care of myself during pregnancy. Finally, I grew angry. I was angry at myself, the doctor, and God.
My biggest question was, “Why God?” But my biggest mistake was allowing my questioning heart, hurt, and anger to distance me from the only One who could help me deal with this difficulty.
Eventually, I learned that God would rather have me run to Him with my questions and true feelings than run away from Him. King David frequently cried out to God and expressed his anguish. At one point, he even asked God, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1, ESV). Yet, God referred to David as a man after his own heart. (Acts 13:22).
Everyone faces struggles. Even Jesus was “despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3, ESV). And God, the Father, had to endure His son’s suffering, just as I was. God allowed this suffering because He had a more important objective: our redemption and salvation.
Dear one, perhaps we will never understand the “why” behind our pain. However, we can turn to God and trust that He understands and has a greater plan than we can see.
Today’s key verse reminds us, “A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way?” (Proverbs 20:24, NIV). Maybe we will never understand why we are walking through trials. But we can surrender our need to understand and trust God’s goodness. Rather than trying to figure it all out, we can trust God already has, and He will lead us through, one day, one step at a time.
Dear Heavenly Father, Sometimes my heart is so heavy, and I struggle to understand why life has to be so difficult. But I trust you, Lord. Today, I surrender my need to know why and trust You have a plan and a reason. Please guide me as I navigate this difficult season. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
