Why Oh Why?!

I don't need to fill you in on what's happened over the past couple of days in the Philippines. Typhoon Haiyan has not only taken thousands of lives but left the poor survivors homeless, displaced, brokenhearted and lost. It's only going to get worse - relief is not reaching all towns & villages, more storms expected and the death toll is still rising. Watching the news and hearing of friends losing their loved ones saddens my heart too but I try not to question God - "Why"? 

I think it's human nature that our mind wanders off to asking God that question. We see innocent lives torn apart for a reason that is only in His control. Obviously someone who has lost their entire family & home will feel the urge to blame God, asking, "Why, God - why?" .

We tend to forget how huge God is. I mean, from flinging stars up in the sky to intricately creating you and me - God really is the Almighty. You feel so loved by His blessings on you daily and then this cyclone happens - you stop, look up and just sit with a huge question mark hovering over your head? 

Is it possible for this same God who has so much love & compassion for me allow such grief and sorrow to other people?

As simple as the answer may be - Yes. But just don't ask me "Why".

Who are we at the end of the day to question God. Think about it for a minute or two, this is God we are talking about. We are just mere human beings living only through the grace he has provided through his son Jesus Christ. We have done nothing to receive this grace but somehow people think that we are so mighty that we have the right to question God for his motives. We don't. (Romans 8:20)

I've earlier been asked to justify my faith; Why people are dying of starvation? Or why does the God I serve ordain evil in this world? Why should 10,000+ innocent lives be taken so harshly? And why this and why that....STOP! I don't have all the answers. Yes, it's because of sin in this world and God has a very long term plan on how His glory will be revealed but as for now - we really don't need the answers to those questions! All we need to do is just pray. And as cliche as this may sound - Everything happens for a reason.

As I've been praying for comfort, provision and healing for the people affected by the storm - I was led to the below scripture.

"Though he brings grief, he will show compassion,

    so great is his unfailing love. 

For he does not willingly bring affliction
or grief to anyone."

Lamentations 3:32-33

Know that it hurts God much more than it hurts us to see such grief. 

Trust in his ways and plans. 

Believe that he has a divine purpose in all his doings.

Remember, he is GOD - No one can understand his ways.

"Do you not know?

    Have you not heard?

The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,

    and his understanding no one can fathom."

Isaiah 40:28

In what ever loss, tragedy or hardship you are facing now - seek Him. Do not lose hope. 

Continue praying for relief & comfort to the victims of Typhoon Haiyan.

Blessings,

Gino!

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him,

    to the one who seeks him

Lamentations 3:25