Why is not just a question. Why is a cry of anger, hurt or disbelief. Why didn’t God do something? Why did this happen? Why me? We need reminding that we can be confident that everything works together for good to those who love God. The apostle Paul wrote about this in Romans 8:28 (NKJV to encourage believers who lived in a city ruled by the powerful madman, Nero. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Paul reminds us that we can be sure everything that happens to us will result in good, brokenness leads to blessing, death leads to life and suffering leads to glory. We can be assured to trust God when we don’t understand and nothing makes sense.
One of the most difficult situations I’ve faced was the death of my first husband, Pastor Paul. I was the first one on the scene of the motorcycle accident, helpless and alone, I couldn’t get cell phone service because of the area and had to wait until I could flag down a car to call 911.
Screaming, yelling, crying, praying over Paul’s limp body, I yelled, “God why?”…there was only silence. I screamed louder, “God why did this happen?” I had just taught Jeremiah 29:11,12 (CSB) “For I know the plans I have for you – this is the , Lord’s declaration—“plans for [your] welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” I was overcome by God’s presence. I let God change my angry, “God, why did You let this happen?” to “God, how can I glorify You through my loss?”
Friend, I don’t know what your why is today. But I challenge you to let God change your why to how. He did it for me and I know He will do it for you, too, if you let Him. Let’s pray.
“Heavenly Father, I wonder if You hear my cry and feel my pain. I don’t like Your plans much right now. I choose to submit to Your will, even though my circumstances hurt my heart, I thank You for them. How will I make it? I don’t think it would matter if You answered my question of why – my circumstances would not change. So, God, help me to rely on You to show me how to make it through. Thank You for leading me and guiding me with Your gentle hand and Your strong arms, carry me through. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
The Great Leaders Study Guide Series will take you on a journey to help change your why to how.
Exchanging hurt for hope is Sheryl Giesbrecht Turner’s focus—a message she shares with audiences as a Bible teacher, respected author and transformational speaker. A practical college professor and motivating leader, Giesbrecht Turner has endured many changes and challenges, moving her to a deep faith, trust, and dependence on God.
Sheryl serves as founder and president of her non-profit From Ashes To Beauty, Inc. She serves on field staff with the discipleship and training ministry, Freedom In Christ. (www.ficm.org) She is an award-winning author of five books. Her fifth book, Unraveling the Lie-Knot: Finding Freedom from the Tangles of Discouragement, Deception, and Depression was released in June 2021 and won the 2021 Non-Fiction Christian Market Book Award with Advanced Writers and Speakers. She served as Focus on the Family’s columnist for Pastor’s Wives for four years. Hundreds of her columns, magazine and devotional articles have appeared in Focus on The Family Magazine, Just Between Us, Discipleship Journal, CCM, Walk Thru the Bible’s – InDeed and Tapestry publications.
Sheryl has a heart for missions and is avid about reaching out to the poor and needy, locally as a volunteer Bible study teacher for the local Rescue Mission and worldwide through various ministry partners. Giesbrecht Turner is a Lead Like Jesus facilitator and blogger www.leadlikejesus.com and has been personally involved with equipping hundreds and facilitating the training of thousands of leaders internationally.
The joys of Giesbrecht Turner’s life are her children and fourteen grandchildren. She is excited about the new beginning she shares with her marriage to Dr. Jim Turner. Sheryl holds a Bachelor of Arts from Biola University, holds a master’s in theological counseling and a Doctor of Divinity. She lives in California’s central valley where she enjoys running 5K races with her 92-year-old mother.
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