Young children begin obtaining discoveries of knowledge often by their curiosity. Relying upon us the parents to guide them into understanding, it becomes quite annoying when everything you say is followed with a “why” question. Our greatest frustrations of the constant beckoning of why, comes when they ask us legitimate questions that we can’t answer. My daughter when a small child shared many “Why God” questions. I tried to answer, but much is relied upon faith. My greatest shame and frustrations came when I could not answer because I was simply too ignorant in the word of God.
As we transform from children into adults, we no longer solely seek answers to satisfy simple curiosities. We seek answers of the heart filled with many mixed and confusing emotions. Instead of asking, “Why do the wheels on the bus go round and round”, we ask, “Why ME Lord!” “Why Lord must I suffer so?”
The day of my saving grace is a testimony to be shared at another time. However, it is by that day of saving grace, that removed my biggest obstacle and the most severe storm in my life, and that is doubt.
Thomas, also known as Doubting Thomas, was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. He perhaps best known for disbelieving Jesus’ Resurrection when first told of it. Thomas said, “"Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it." After seeing Jesus alive and when Jesus offered him the opportunity to touch his wounds, Thomas at that time professed his faith in Jesus. On this account, he is also called Thomas the Believer.
(John 20:24-29)
Jesus did not rebuke Thomas for doubting. Instead, Jesus offered Thomas evidence of the truth. Jesus does not rebuke us for doubting, or for asking “why” questions, unless we ourselves refuse to consider the evidence, and he does produce the evidence! Jesus concluded his offering of proof by saying to Thomas, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29)
It is very easy for those of us who are Christians, to walk in faith, to believe without seeing, as long as things are going good in our lives. I know what it feels like to be filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit. That feel good feeling of love is that essential proof leaving no room for doubt in my soul. But what happens when that feel good feeling dissipates? Does that mean that God has left me? Or that I have left God? Where did He go? “Why, why, have you forsaken me?” “I need to feel that proof that you love me!”
For many years, my “Why, Why” questions served me poorly. They served me poorly because I would toss the questions out without taking care and meditation to listen for my answers. Or, I would turn my head and refuse to consider the evidence that Christ was producing to me. I wanted quick and easy solutions, just fix it Lord, now! Don’t tell me it is going to take time, don’t tell me it is going to be work, don’t tell me I must first pay the consequences, don’t tell me I must weather the storm, just give me what I need, and what I need is a miracle!
"Why" is a word that is still widely used in my vocabulary, however now I seek maturity in Christ. As I read His Holy Words, listen to the many Gospels shared by our pastors, witness the many testimonies shared by my brother’s and sister’s in Christ, I now understand that it is often with that question of why, that I do find my answers. “Why”, has the power to take me to my knees in prayer, where I always need to be.
I have been crucified by the world through lies of destruction. I’ve been broken, shattered and scattered by many great storms. I know great pain of wounds, and I bear many scars. On my knees asking “Why?” is when Jesus offered me the opportunity to see and touch His wounds. What I felt by the touch was His tender love, His healing hands and His comforting Spirit. What I saw on the scars of His wounds, there my name was etched. At that time I professed my faith in Jesus, On this account, you can call my name, Joie, the Believer.
Author Resource:-
Joie is a Certified Christian Life Coach. Divorced sharing her home with her Daughter in Shingle Springs, California. Thankful for each new day and the glorious new beginnings. Joie welcomes you to visit her web site and blog. http://www.youravon.com/joielehman There is no time, like the present time to begin.
Scripture quotations unless otherwise noted or quoted from a secondary source are from the New International Version, "biblegateway.com"
Joie is a Certified Christian Life Coach. Divorced sharing her home with her Daughter in Shingle Springs, California. Thankful for each new day and the glorious new beginnings. Joie welcomes you to visit her web site and blog. http://www.youravon.com/joielehman There is no time, like the present time to begin.
Scripture quotations unless otherwise noted or quoted from a secondary source are from the New International Version, "biblegateway.com"
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