Should We Ask God "Why"?

Very recently the CMA York Chapter lost one of its younger members to a motorcycle accident. Our community will, no doubt, feel the shock of this loss for some time to come. Somehow in the course of events I found myself embracing the boy’s father, trying, with little success, to console him just moments after he received the news that he had lost his young son in a motorcycle accident. What do you say in a situation like this? The only answer I could come up with was to say very little. I held him tight and whispered how sorry I was for him. We all were and are in shock. I had no idea when our chaplain called me that this accident was fatal. I had even considered I might wait till the next day to visit. I thank God I did not. Even on my way to the hospital I had planned on seeing the young man and speaking to him about what had happened. How quickly the night can change. My shock and sadness are only a grain of sand in the scope of all of this. His parents are, understandably beside themselves in grief and disbelief. I cannot even begin to relate with their current state of grief and sorrow. How can I? I have no idea how they must feel and, if I am perfectly honest, I have no desire to know.

In a situation such as this we all want to ask God why, but is it appropriate to question God's wisdom and purpose? Should we simply refer all of our questions to Romans 8:28? I believe the answer can be found in the scripture. Here are a few of the verses I found:

Psalm 10:1

Why, O LORD, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?

Job 7:20

If I have sinned, what have I done to you, O watcher of men? Why have you made me your target? Have I become a burden to you?

Mark 15:34

And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" 

Having hung on the cross, feeling abandoned and alone Jesus asks the question…”Why God?” These verses show clearly God, not only tolerates our questions, but encourages us to speak with Him in all things, even when we are asking why. So if you know someone in a time of suffering, I would encourage you to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and supportive of their questions, even when they might question God Himself. 

In my humble opinion, there are few families who have more of a reason to ask God why right now. Out of respect for the family, I have not mentioned them by name. If anyone is reading this, and you know the family, I would encourage you to just listen to them as they wrestle with their questions. Love them, pray for them, and offer them a shoulder to cry on. Ask God to show them the same patience He showed Job and David when they asked Him “why?” Be ever thankful we have a God Who has felt our pain and emptiness and while hanging on the cross even He asked “why?” And, yes, pray for this young man’s family and friends to experience God’s transcending peace in the midst of their pain in never really knowing the finite answer to the question of “why?” I pray all of this in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, Amen and Amen.

What is Evangelism?

I wonder if everyone wrestles with this question the way I do? As a Christian I am called to the great commission in Matthew 28: “Therefore Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” The king James version says “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations.” So how do I flesh this out? How did Jesus do it? Jesus taught, but He also served, healing the masses and consoling the lost. Is it possible for me to just “start” a healing ministry? Or would it be more feasible for me to develop a presentation, use some tracts and hit the streets, teaching and preaching? Would I be perceived as a huckster of sorts? Am I drawing people, or scaring them away? If I forego the street evangelism, maybe I can just “live out” my Christianity in silent witness hoping to “draw people to Christ” by putting on my happy face and living life in seemingly moral perfection. Does this really work? Is it even possible? Despite my best efforts, I have never had anyone come up to me and say “Wow you look so happy and live such a moral life, please tell me all about Jesus!” If, alas, silence is not the answer, maybe I should buy a bullhorn? Why shouldn’t I shout the good news from the mountain tops? At least a bullhorn attracts allot of attention, but is it too obnoxious? OK maybe I won’t shout, but it is certainly important to tell people about Jesus. I will explain the gospel logically and intellectually and fill them with my superior knowledge. Who could argue with that? But is conveying the knowledge enough? Should I talk more or listen more? After all, isn’t listening the most important part of communication? And isn’t spreading the good news all about effective communication? But is there a point where I have said too much or, worse yet, not enough? Maybe the key to effectively communicating the gospel is in building relationships? I should probably build a relationship with someone before I actually speak to him about Jesus. Or am I just using the “building a relationship” reasoning as a cop out for not wanting to speak about a subject I am ashamed to admit is awkward for me. If, after all this, I am still uncomfortable speaking, perhaps service is the answer. I will be a super generous Christian and people will find salvation through my generousity. But will people really come to Christ in exchange for a cool glass of water, a warm coat, or a piece of bread? Will my momentary generousity make them forget their thirst, the cold, or their hunger long term? Should I be concerned about methodology at all? I want to be intentional, but I also want to be effective. But why do I want to be effective? Perhaps it is not a matter of a right way or a wrong way? Couldn’t God just use my unique personality, in unique situations, to attract people in my own unique way? Why do I even want to talk to people about Jesus anyway? Should I do it just because the bible says I should? Can I earn “points” with God by adding salvation notches to my spiritual belt? Am I really concerned about the spiritual welfare of others, or am I merely saving face or trying to impress my Christian brothers and sisters with my evangelical skills? What is my “bottom line”? If I trust God and Love God, shouldn’t evangelism just come natural? Wouldn’t it just pour out of me, manifesting itself in word or deed or whatever is appropriate in any given situation? And shouldn’t my true intention be to love and honor my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ? What I am sure of is God uses all things for his purpose for those who believe; His Word says so (Romans 828) and I have experienced it first hand. I have heard it said, “You must speak to God about men, before you can speak to men about God.” Perhaps I merely need to speak to God and trust God to use me according to His will and His glory. Could it really be that easy?

Carrie Prejean - JFreak of the Week

As most of you probably already know Carrie Prejean is the reigning Mrs. California and runner-up for Ms. USA. You, no doubt, also know she is the contestant who answered a question about marriage honestly, and according to her beliefs. For her response I commend her. Ms. Prejean was courageous in speaking the truth, and did so without malice. May we all learn to speak the truth in such a way.