°For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.

One thing you and I should never do is question God's methods. He says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.±

The Bible gives us a detailed story of a man who, in the eyes of the world, had every right to ask God, "Why?" He was a man who was so perfect in his walk with God, that he was the first one who came to God's mind when Satan approached Him. Satan made fun of Job, saying that it was no wonder he was so faithful to God. Job had everything he wanted. °He had seven sons and three daughters, and he owned seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen and five hundred donkeys, and had a large number of servants. He was the greatest man among all the people of the East.± (Job 1:2-3) He had never had any difficulties at all because God had placed a hedge around him, preventing Satan from causing Job any problems. Satan was convinced that if he was allowed to cause Job to have problems, Job would curse God. So God said, "Okay, fine. Go right ahead and do what you want to him, but you cannot take his life." So Satan brought all the powers of hell against Job. Job lost his all his property, his cattle, his children. He lost everything, including his health and the respect of his wife. Finally, when he sat penniless, with bleeding sores all over his body, Job finally asked God, "Why?" And what did God say? Basically, God answered, "Just who do you think you are, Job, to question me?" If you want to read God's entire response, find it in Job 40 and 41. It's the same response He gives to you and me when we ask, "Why?"

In all circumstances that come against you, remember this: God knows what's going on. He knew from the beginning of time. He knew your name. He knew what would happen to you every day of your life. He created you so that you might glorify Him with your life. He has the whole picture, from beginning to end. He is in control of every situation, and He allows those situations to happen so that you might become more like Jesus.

So, instead of asking God "Why?" - ask God, "What?" "What is it that you want me to learn from this?" "What can I do in this situation to glorify you?" No matter what happens, don't ask "Why?" - ask "What?"

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