Why, Lord? Most of us have probably said those words at one time or another and perhaps you are presently saying them. It could be for a variety of reasons: health issues, financial losses, family problems, disappointments, loss of a loved one. We don’t understand why God is allowing us to “suffer” these things. We want answers and answers don’t seem to come. There are some things, however, that I can assure you of:

God is not out “to get you” or punish you.

God will never leave you or forsake you.

God knows all about you and your situation and He does hear your cries.

God does have a plan and a purpose for your “suffering.” Here’s where faith must take over; because our God is sovereign. He is also a holy God who wants to use things and situations in our lives to bring glory to Himself. That, in reality, is what He is looking for in all we do and in all we go through.

You see, we can magnify His name in spite of hardships and difficulties we are experiencing. We can show the world we have an awesome God who gives peace and comfort, strength and help, guidance and assurance even when we are hurting. God may not take away our problem, but He will take us through it.

In the Old Testament book of Isaiah, God was allowing some hard things to happen to His people. He said, “I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.” Isa. 48:10.

Perhaps God has “chosen you” at this particular time to be in a furnace of affliction; but look what He says in the next verse:

“For my own sake will I do it.” (my words – For “my glory” will I do it.”) Verse 48:11

So, we can thank God even in these times and let Him use them for His own glory in a world that needs to see Him. (That’s a pretty good reason, don’t you think?)