Imagine having your home go into foreclosure, not being able to have a child, or having a friend die from cancer.
One woman who had lost her sister to cancer sat star gazing. It was something they had done together. Through tears, she asked, “God, why couldn’t you heal her cancer? I prayed so hard. I trusted you. I don’t understand why you didn’t heal her.”
In that moment, she felt the words, “I did.” She realized for the first time her sister was healed. She wasn’t sick or in pain anymore. She was cancer free, even though it wasn’t the answer she had hoped or prayed for.
One of the people in the Bible I relate to is Peter—passionate, impulsive Peter. He jumped out of a boat to walk on water, then sank when he took his eyes off Jesus. He cut off the ear of a soldier to defend Jesus, then later denied knowing Him.
When Jesus shared details about His impending death, Peter rebuked him: “Jesus, don’t say that! You’re freaking everyone out! We will never allow that to happen.”
Jesus responded, “Get behind Me, Satan!” Harsh words. I wonder if Peter felt hurt, confused, or maybe a little rejected. How could this death Jesus described be God’s will?
Believers know the reason Jesus had to die. Peter didn’t understand. Part of what Jesus said to Peter was “You do not have in mind the concerns of God but the things of men.” Put another way, “You are not God.”
I don’t know why God doesn’t always answer our good prayers the way we hope. I think His definition of good is bigger and greater than ours. Faith is believing God’s promises when we don’t understand. He promises hope and a future. He promises to make all things right.
Believe God’s promises—even when you don’t understand.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)
Liz Petruzzi is a beach, dog, and coffee lover who believes God’s love is for everyone – but doesn’t have all the answers. “I don’t know why God doesn’t always answer our prayers—our good prayers—the way we hope. I do believe He is good, loving, and compassionate. I believe there is much I don’t understand and God’s definition of good is bigger and greater than mine. I don’t think a human brain can comprehend a divine one.” Liz writes about life and faith on her blog lizpetruzzi.com and loves to connect with people who wrestle with both. Liz can also be found on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.