Questioning the Unquestionable

Is it wrong to question God when bad things happen? It’s so easy to sit on our self-built pedestal and shake our fist at God when these things happen to us, or others around us. We ask Him “Why me/them?”, “How could you allow this to happen?”, “If you’re so loving, why didn’t you stop this pain?” In His Omniscience (Psalm 147:5, 1 John 3:20) He knew what would happen; in His Omnipotence (Job 9:4-10, Isaiah 40:28), He could’ve done something about it. But He chooses to use these times to grow us, and draw us closer to Him. (James 1:2-4, Romans 5:3-5, 1 Peter 5:10-11, James 1:12, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, 1 Peter 1:6-7). Character and strength have never formed without struggle, risk, sacrifice, and even loss and suffering. Our weakness and desperation have caused many of us to abandon ourselves, in search of the only One who can save us.

When we question God’s actions, and why He has allowed things to occur as they have in our lives, it is understood and even appreciated by Jesus, who has been there as well. He is hurting with you—but when we accuse God in bitterness and unbelief, when we hold Him accountable, and question His very Character, we have now crossed the line, in our own self-righteousness and sin. For reasons we may or may not understand on this earth, He has chosen a path that is exactly what we need.

Job (Job 13:3, Job 23:3-4, Job 24:1), Habakkuk (Habakkuk 1:2-3), even John the Baptist (Luke 7:20) questioned Him. We can question Him; cry out to Him; complain to Him—but never attack His heart or character. In our questioning, let us not forget that He is also Omnipresent (Psalm 139:7-10, Proverbs 15:3) and Omnibenevolent (Psalm 106:1, Mark 10:18). We’re not alone in our tough times—He is always with us. (Matthew 28:20) And everything we go through is for a greater good for us, and others. He will use it to our and His benefit. (Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 8:28)