TELL ME WHY?

Isaiah 55:8-13
8 "My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways," declares the Lord. 9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. 10 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven,and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 11 so is My word that goes out from My mouth: It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. 12 You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. 13 Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord's renown, for an everlasting sign, which will not be destroyed."

Are Christians guaranteed immunity to temptation, tribulation, or tragedy? The answer is obviously "No! My brother Ne Yoong was a brilliant first-year university engineering student. He served the Lord actively and was a sociable, friendly, caring person.

On a missions trip to a small village in Sarawak, East Malaysia, Ne Yoong learned the native language in a few days, shared the gospel, and led more than 30 children to the Lord. On the last day of the trip, however, something tragic happened. He jumped into the river to rescue a friend who had accidentally fallen in. Even though my brother couldn't swim, he didn't think of his own safety--only for the welfare of his friend. Although his friend was eventually rescued, my brother drowned.

It's difficult to understand why such a heartbreaking tragedy would take place. We do know that a number of people accepted Jesus and others rededicated their lives to Him because they saw God's love in Ne Yoong's act. God works things out in His own mysterious way.

My family and I struggled and questioned God about Ne Yoong's death. But we finally accepted the work of His providential hand and larger purpose. As revealed in Isaiah 55:8-9, His ways are indeed higher than our ways, and His thoughts than our thoughts. As followers of Jesus, we can stay secure in our faith because we rest in God's perfect plan (v.11).

Are you struggling in a particular situation right now? Be assured that God is a good God and He works things out in ways we can't even imagine. As we face painful circumstances, we may feel out of control. We begin to question if anyone's running the universe. We start asking, "Why?" Instead, we can take courage in the fact that God is sovereign and is in control of His world.

--Timothy Chew, Malaysia
Written by a fellow Soul Journey reader

DESTINATION POINTS

* When it's difficult to understand the reasons for my troubles, do I question God or do I trust that He is working for my good?
* What are some ways that can help me stay secure in my faith in spite of my problems?

LINKS:
Knowing God Through Job
http://www.discoveryseries.org/sb141/

A Brave New Worldview
http://www.christianitytoday.com/tcw/2003/004/14.22.html

bottom line: When you can't understand why, trust in God.

soul journey