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Devotional | Michael Milligan | May 2, 2021
I know that my redeemer lives,and that in the end he will stand on the earth.And after my skin has been destroyed,yet in my flesh I will see God;I myself will see himwith my own eyes—I, and not another.How my heart yearns within me!Job 19:25-27
If you have not yet had the opportunity to hear Lance and Jeni Ward tell the story of their own Job experience, I encourage you to stop reading this devotion and click here to view the sermon from last Sunday. As they shared their story, I found myself asking this simple question: "Why?"
To be honest, in our Congregational Care department, as we walk alongside those who are dealing with sickness, sorrow, and the setbacks of life, we hear “Why?” often. In general, we hear it asked of God when life takes an unpredictable and unpleasant turn. It is a fair question. God doesn't mind when we ask. God certainly didn't hold it against Job when he asked hard questions, even questioning God's ability to run the universe.
Although asking God "Why?" is a fair question, it is important to remember when we enter into the trials and tribulations of life, God doesn't promise an explanation. Even after Job had put to God all of his questions, God spent four chapters (Job 38-41) responding to him and never directly answered any of his questions. Genuine peace—the only kind of peace that allows us to navigate through the storms of life—is not found in God's explanations. Lasting and enduring peace, the peace that passes all understanding, is only found in God's presence. As Jeni Ward shared her reaction to the news of her son Kyle's death, she said: “I felt betrayed by God. I asked him, ‘How could you?’”
In spite of those questions, the Wards found—and continue to find—the presence of the Lord to be their greatest refuge and comfort. Lance confirmed this as he shared his conversation with God: “I don't understand why you allowed this to happen, but I've got nowhere better to go.”
Here is what we find when we take all of our "Whys" into the presence of the Lord:
Jesus Christ willingly sacrificed his own life for my sake and defeated death in the process. Because Jesus has already won the ultimate victory, there is nothing in this life that I need to fear, not even death itself. As Lance proclaimed last Sunday: "The best thing that could possibly happen for us has happened for us. Therefore, the worst thing that could ever happen [eternal separation from God] won't happen to us. For I am his and he is mine."
You can't go through a tornado season in Oklahoma without realizing that storms can be destructive. No matter how daunting the storm you are facing may be, through Christ you are victorious! That doesn't mean it will be easy. That doesn't mean the journey will be pain-free. What it does mean is that you are never alone because the Lord walks beside you. It means the Lord will fight for you and provide everything you need to endure the storm. It means there will be peace in the midst of the storm. It means that every step you take—no matter how hard—is a step taken in victory.
Lord,
Even when life's circumstances cause us to ask "Why?" remind us that you are for us, that you will fight our battles, and in you alone there is victory. Teach us to rely on you daily, in the seemingly mundane times, so that our faith will be firmly anchored in you when the storms come. Thank you for providing us victory in every circumstance through your Son Jesus.
Amen.
Michael Milligan
Pastor of Pastoral Care
mmilligan@crossings.church
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