Why Doesn’t God Tell You Why?
By Rick Warren
“Surrender yourself to the Lord, and wait patiently for him.” Psalm 37:7 (GW)
One reason people struggle with contentment is because we’re always looking for explanations for why things happen in our lives. But God doesn’t tell us why most things happen, and that can frustrate us.
Sometimes God doesn’t tell you why because he’s testing you. He wants to see if you will let go of control and learn to be content, whether or not he explains why something happens in your life.
God doesn’t owe you an explanation for anything. You’re not going to know why most things happen until you get to heaven.
When I was a little kid, the only time our school classroom was quiet was during a test. The teacher would say, “No talking! Take your pencils and fill out your tests.” Even the teacher would be silent.
When God is silent in your life—when you don’t hear him, and he feels like he’s a million miles away—that is a test!
The teacher is always silent when the students take a test—but the teacher is still present with the students. When God is silent in your life, your faith is being tested—but God is still with you.
In that test, will you let go of control, or will you grab on more tightly? Will you learn to be content?
The Bible says, “Surrender yourself to the Lord, and wait patiently for him” (Psalm 37:7 GW).
When you go through pain next week or next month or this year, you don’t really need God’s explanation. You need God’s presence. Let go of control and surrender yourself to him.
PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
Get Equipped to Face Life’s Challenges with Faith!
Life throws a lot at us these days. And it’s clearer than ever that we need to equip ourselves with biblical wisdom—because only God’s Word gives us the power we need to handle whatever comes our way.
That’s why Pastor Rick created the Unshakable Bible study.
The Unshakable Bible study is our thanks for your support to help take Daily Hope to more people around the world.
So request your copy below when you give—and get equipped to face any challenge with faith!
*The USA IRS code permits you to deduct the amount of your financial gift to Daily Hope that exceeds the fair market value of materials you received from Daily Hope.
This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
You can listen to Rick Warren on OnePlace.com.