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Focus Less on the "Why's"

On the day that you stood aloof, On the day that strangers carried off his wealth.  Obadiah 1:11 NASB

Photo courtesy of pixabay.If God is allowing evil things to happen to people, then it means they deserve it.

This assertion is usually made because the person making the statement has seen a couple of people engaging in ungodly acts over a long period of time and then seeing them go through bad situations. But those who see it aren’t ready to offer a helping hand.

Reaching the same conclusion is easy. We often move away from people, ignore them, make fun of them, or boast about how great our lives are. Obadiah’s vision about Edom tells us what God expects from us in such situations. God wasn’t pleased when Edom stood and watched as Israel went through a hard time at the hands of foreigners.

While God allows people to go through difficult times, He is wise and knows the exact reason why they need it. As we see them pass through such times, we are also being tested by this same God on how we would react to a similar situation. We sin when we act in an unloving and ungodly manner toward those who need our help.  

Instead of focusing on the whys of troubling situations, we should focus on the whats. It’s not our place to determine why certain things happen to people but rather to decide what we can do to show love and care to the people going through tough times—no matter what they have done in the past. God expects us to send an encouraging word, show affection, offer a listening ear, and give a helping hand to all. This is what Jesus did.

Don’t focus on the whys of a person’s circumstances. Focus on how you can help them. 

(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)

(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)


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Emmanuella Ellis

Emmanuella Ellis has the desire to reach out to others using the understanding gained through the Scriptures as a tool. She has a passion for writing and pours her creativity in poems, short stories, and drama scripts. She enjoys spending time with and writing stories for children. Emmanuella is currently enrolled in a graduate program at McGill University and learning a great deal about how to spend time with God amid all the stress of academic work. She loves to spend time indoors, reading books or journals and listening to music. Emmanuella is a lover of Christ. She yearns to live each day for Him and urges others along that same path.


Comments

  1. It is easier to judge people during their trial. But, If we face the same challenge(s) we couldn't do better.If people ask the question where is God when I hurt? My reply is where was God when the going was good. Whatever God permits He must have a good reason even if don't know why