“Why?” is one of the most frequently asked questions when we live through difficult times. (Aside: Why don’t we ever ask “Why?” when something good comes into our life??) For me, I’ve come to one of many possible answers as to why things happen to us and in our lives… both good and bad.
John Piper once said, “God is not an idolater… ” That means that the most important person to God is Himself. It also means that everything that transpires, in one way or another, is designed to glorify God. Consider…
Isaiah 42:8, “I am the LORD; that is My name; My glory I give to no other…”
Isaiah 48:11, “For my own sake, for my own sake, I do it, for how should my name be profaned? My glory I will not give to another.”
John 12:28, (Jesus said) “Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.”
If/when an event transpires in a believer’s life that is perplexing, it is enough to hear from God… “This is for my glory.” As believers we should not need further explanation. If the event (Whatever it may be) brings glory to God then it is to be rejoiced in!
Now would be a good time to start working the Scripture into our personal life experiences.
What about when we experience extreme suffering? It is for God’s glory!
What about when our loved ones suffer horribly? It is for God’s glory!
What about when we don’t understand what is happening? It is for God’s glory!
What about when we get a raise… are blessed with a good marriage, career, and relationships… our life circumstances are full of joy, peace, and happiness? It is for God’s glory!
What about when our world crumbles around us? It is for God’s glory!
What about when people lie about us… do us financial and/or physical harm… when we are mistreated by people we have done no wrong to? It is for God’s glory! (2 Peter 2:12)
What about when we or our loved ones get cancer and suffer? It is for God’s glory! (John 21:18-19)
Loss of job… loss of health, reputation, financial security, spouse, etc… etc… etc…? It is for God’s glory!
I will grant you that for some, that may not be a sufficient answer. But I would suggest that we as mere mortals have no right to demand of God anything… much less more than what He has revealed in Scripture.