Unanswered "Why's"
John Gardner

All of us must deal with unanswered "why's" in life. 'Why did this have to happen now?" "Why did it have to happen to me and my family?" "Why does injustice seem to go unchecked?" "Why do those trying to do right suffer?" Tough questions. They gnaw at us inwardly, they pick at our faith in God's goodness and power. 'Why, why, why? If I just knew the answer I could face life much better." We work and study and pray, still no clear answer comes.

The patriarch Job had unanswered "whys" added to his almost incomprehensible burden. We know why he suffered (Job 1:6-11; 2:1-6); but he did not understand why when it was happening. His friends' answers to "why" did not touch the reality of his situation. Even when God mercifully spoke to him and restored him (Job 38-42), no clear answer to why it had happened was given. In fact, there is a strong note in God's answer to Job suggesting that man is incapable of handling some of the heavy "why's" around while frail humanity lasts. So what do we do with those unanswered "why's" that weaken and worry us?

1. Turn them over to the Lord. He alone may know the answer. His eye sees the end of a thing from the beginning. His wisdom makes simple the most complex and seemingly contradictory matters of life. His love and mercy assure us that we can live rich lives for Him in spite of the "why's" if we will but turn them over to Him. "Casting all your anxiety upon Him..." (I Peter 5:7).

2. Turn them into "hows." Instead of forever dwelling on "why's" that seem beyond answering, ask another question: "How?" "How can God use me and what has happened to glorify His name?" "How can I find strength to bear what has happened?" "How will this affect me in terms of eternity?" "How's" can be tough to answer, but they often yield more fruit for the effort than certain nagging "why's."

Maybe on the shore of eternity all unanswered "why's" will be forever banished but until then, we must learn to deal with them. ❦

 Our hearts go out in deepest sympathy to our brother Enoch Louis and his family in the passing of his father in Haiti last week. May God provide the peace that “passeth all understanding” in this time of loss and sorrow.

For those who don’t receive the House to House, Heart to Heart publication in the mail - you may pick-up a copy of the latest edition in the foyer.

NOTICE....
Due to the construction work currently going on in the annex, the regular last Sunday PM Fellowship (scheduled for this evening) has been cancelled. The annex seating area is being expanded into what used to be the “Teacher’s Work Room” and the “Print Room”.

New Calendars
The August edition of the Activities Calendar and Men To Serve List is available today in the foyer. Pic-up a copy and be informed.

 Wed. Night Devotional
A devotional service is scheduled for this coming Wednesday evening (31^st). Our regular classes are preempted and all but the youngest children will meet in the auditorium.

Seems like our generation is trying to drink it's way to prosperity, destroy it's way to plenty, war it's way to peace, hate it's way to love, drift it's way upstream, and sin it's way to God.

 

UPCOMING AREA EVENTS:

• August 3 - Youth Day
      “Choices” and “Your Future” - Ryan Roark
      South Fla Ave - Lakeland

• August 17 - 2^nd Annual Ladies’ Day
      “Add To Your Faith”
      South Fla Ave - Lakeland

• Starts September 2
      Personal Work Class at Orange Street
      12 wks. - Monday Nights - 7-9:30
      “Fishers of Men”

• Sept 29 - Oct 2 - Gospel Meeting
      Orange Street church of Christ
      Guest Speaker - Jimmy Clark
      Start Making Plans Now