Why vs. Where
I sat with a friend several weeks ago, just days after my stroke. His question, in a joking way, was a simple one. So, Scott, do you feel like Job yet? I’m not sure what Job felt like, but I will admit there are moments when I would like to understand these last 15 years better. I spent just over 5 years working for an abusive and toxic boss, who felt like it was his personal mission to destroy the lives of others, including me. I’ve lived through a stage 3 cancer diagnosis and am even now still dealing with the effects of a severe stroke. Needless to say, it can cause you to wonder why.
Recently, I re-read the book of Job. If you remember, Job loses everything, his possessions, children, and even his health. It is his wife who tells him that he should just curse God and die. It is his friends who seek to find what he did wrong to deserve this punishment from God.
As for me, I’ve been blessed to have a wonderful wife and good family and friends who have offered kindness and patience throughout the last 15 years. Yet, all of us would like to understand why these things happen. Why is it that rain falls on the just and the unjust? Why do bad things happen to good people?
Let me suggest to you today that we are often asking the wrong question. It is Job who states at the end of the book in Chapter 42, my ears had heard of you, but now my eyes have seen you. Why is not the best question, but instead, where? Where is God’s hand moving and working? Where is God when life goes wrong? How is God working in my life despite the circumstances?
It’s all a matter of perspective or seeing the world in a different way. These last 15 years, I can point to numerous moments when God was working. There were times when I didn’t always realize just how His hand was moving and arranging things for my good. He clearly provided a path for Katie and me to get back to OKC and out of church work. He obviously brought OneWorld Health and their work into my path to keep me engaged in ministry. And He was active beyond description during my cancer journey. As well, He had the right people in my life and me in the right place when I was struck with a major stroke on February 26th. The young stewardess sitting across from me saved my life. I’m forever grateful for her recognition and wisdom in the situation.
Perhaps it’s not why did these things happen, but where does God continue to work in the struggles of my life. That is the right question.