Articles
Why, God? Why?
In the midst of overwhelming suffering of all sorts and fashions, the universal question posed to God is “Why, God? Why?” Even the most ungodly and wicked person will ask this question when touched by the transpiring of a personal, awful circumstance. The question is understandable; the frustration likewise. There never really seems to be an easy, go-to answer that will resolve every aspect of this question.
This week many Christians lost a true friend in Adam Smelser. Our lives were rocked by the unexpected loss of his physical life. Those who had the fortune of knowing him knew that his life was lived in the exact image of Christ. He was selfless. He was humble. He didn’t just talk the talk; he walked the walk. This being the case, I found myself drifting into the abysmal depth of sorrow and grief like so many other Christians. I unceasingly ask the questions, even now: how could God let this happen? Why Adam? Why not have given him more time to work in the kingdom? I am positive others are struggling with similar questions.
There are no simple answers. However, balm is offered in knowing:
1. Adam wasn’t perfect. He faced the same problem of sin that we face. That problem brought death into this world (Gen. 3).
2. God works in ways that are infinitely higher and farther beyond all that we can imagine (Job 38:1-42:6).
3. What SEEMS right may not necessarily BE right (Prov. 14:12).
4. God personally knows our sorrow. He hates death too!
5. God has delivered Adam and He promises to deliver us as well.
Knowing these simple facts doesn’t resolve all of our questions, but it helps for now. Death will exist as long as this terrestrial habitation exists.
One may find consolation in the reaction of Adam’s family at this loss. They remain firm in faith and cling tighter to their hope. What an awe-inspiring example of spiritual fortitude! May we, like them, ever look to the one who holds our tears in a bottle for comfort and strength in the time of crisis (Ps. 56:8; 2Cor. 1). He will deliver us from the sorrows of death in due time!
