God, Why?

When is the last time you asked this question? I think we have all asked it at some point. We just don't understand why something happened so we end up with this simple question as our prayer, "God, Why?"

This was all I could think as I talked with my wife on Saturday night. As many of you know she travels around the country as part of the Aspire Women's Event tour. Through her work we have developed good friendships with the people and families she works with. On Saturday night she told me that one of the people traveling on the tour just heard that her best friend had been killed in a car accident. This person and her friend are both in their 20's with what should be their whole life ahead of them. I never met the young lady that was killed in the accident, but I know she was a 6th grade teacher and strong believer in Jesus. On Sunday morning we learned that she was hit head on by a drunk driver.

God, Why? Why would a young woman who loves and trusts you get killed in a car accident? Why would a person who is a teacher and changing the lives of young people get hit by a drunk driver? God, Why? It doesn't make sense.

One thing I want to make clear is pain and loss were never a part of God's plan. God loves His children and He doesn't like to see us suffering or hurting. Unfortunately, as sin entered the world so did pain and suffering and loss. My heart is broken for our friend who lost a best friend. What I do know is Psalm 34:18 tells us, "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit" and Psalm 147: 3 says, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."

I will never know the reason these things happen. But I will continue to ask the question, "God, Why?" And as I ask the question I will find comfort in knowing God is with us, He hurts with us and for us, He heals us, and he will never, ever leave us alone.