Do you know why?
Why do we do what we do?
Where’s that idea coming from?
What’s the history or initiating factor behind this way of thought?
All in good humor, I’ve been accused of being very analytical, which is funny to me because I haven’t always been this way.
I’ve been warned against the ‘paralysis of analysis’ and I understand the concerns behind the warning. If analysis leads us to inaction or exaggerated hesitation, then we must remember this is the leading cause of road kill!
However, if our analysis inspires us to take action, especially bold, out of the norm action, maybe we’re using our God given intelligence for His glory.
Our Father weighed the sand and sea in His hands. He then measured the universe with the same hand. God looked down the corridor of time and saw mankind’s decisions, yet He still choose to create us and to save us. This analysis-based decision shows that God believed we were worth the trouble and that His love would overcome.
Our Foundation:
I remember hearing that over 50% of pastors in our churches failed a biblical worldview test. That statistic shocked me!
It is not a good sign when pastors, who are charged with the responsibility of helping us answer our whys, could not tie their answers to anything greater than popular opinion and reason.
As a pastor, when I’m asking myself why, I must have a solid foundation upon which to build my answer.
For those of us who follow Jesus, this foundation is His word and His finished work of salvation.
Asking ‘why’ questions must lead us closer to Him and deeper into committed action rather than to a ‘deer in the headlights’ head-on collision with societal norms.
Remember: today’s norm is broke, divorced, depressed, rebellious, and fearful.
This is considered our norm principally because we’ve forgotten to ask, “Why?”
Let’s challenge ourselves by asking, “Why?”
Why are we married? Or not married?
Why do we educate our children? Or ourselves?
Why am I committed to this career?
Why this church? Why these friends?
Very good. Sometimes the “why” can be uncomfortable lol when you don’t know why! ?Asking why is a good thing! I need to ask why more…
I have a story for ya… Several years ago, one of our kids got very whiny. We’re pretty intentional about teaching them to speak with the right tone, be thankful and learn to communicate what’s actually going on, so for her to be super whiny was out of the norm. Brad prayed about this and asked God ‘why’? That’s when God told him that Brad was setting the example by whining about work, shortage of time, and other situations going on. Talk about uncomfortable! Aleesha & Lorrie, hang in there! Those answers bring such comfort and growth!
Oh I love this story (speaks to me as well ?). To know we can go to God in those moments when we don’t know and ask Him why and expect Him to answer is so amazing. We should be like a child and ask why all the time lol!
Thank you for sharing, again it’s like an example (or picture) for me and my family to look at and help us along this journey, I love it! And I enjoy the deep thought process here haha! It’s really helping me. Opening up space for the Lord to speak to me!
So glad to hear it!
Asking the question “Why” can also lead to more questions. However, asking “why” can also lead to answers you are not ready to face. Such as, “Why am i at where I am at?” Well, Bad choices. This can also lead to more depression knowing it is your fault you are where you are. However, if we understand that God is a God of 2nd, 3rd, 4th…etc….chances, then we can ask “how”. How can I serve God where I am? How can further the kingdom of God in my sickness?. For instance, I met with a man that was going through a long battle of one sickness after another. One of which was quite rare. As we talked, the Lord revealed to me, and I spoke to this man that perhaps, while sitting in the waiting room he can be a witness to someone who would not nor have ever heard the gospel. Or maybe the nurse or Dr. which has seen so much pain in people lives need to know about a loving God. Using the question of “why” should always be followed but the question of “how can I serve God where I am?” God may move or He may require us to stay. He may remove the thorn or find us more effective with it in our side. Now, maybe I went the wrong direction with this, Brad, if so I apologize. Learning the “whys” are only effective if followed by “how”. If there is no “how”, then perhaps we should ask “what then Lord God?”
My husband and I are in the middle of a “why” moment of sorts. Funny I had a dream a couple weeks ago, it revolved around a very specific problem or habit I would say, and God told me to find out my why. I’m usually fairly ok at this, I like to know why we do as we do. But this particular one has eluded me, but I’m thankful the Spirit is softening me up for the answer to come. Anyway, just wanted to chime in that you guys have been right on time a few times for me. I enjoy your posts!
I’ve been there many times! Like you, I’m already pretty introspective, but like I said in the post “Shake that mama anxiety”, it took me several years to journey to the point of “really” asking in earnest and actually being at a place where I could hear the answer! But when it came, it set me free! I’m glad these are timely and useful!
I can say I ask “why” a lot. Yet I can also say I still don’t ask “why” enough. In the past year of my life it has brought more freedom, sometimes more frustration, but more change, and ultimately more joy into my life. So thanks for the encouragement to ask it more often and to be more mindful of it’s presence in my life. I can see even more now after reading and thinking over it, how useful of a tool it can be; like having a compass on your journey, to back up where the direction of the sun is telling you to go.