Why?
God's Will, 22 March 2026
23 03 26
God’s Will for Your Life
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
Why?
March 22, 2026
Proverbs 3:1-7
Series Big Idea: It’s natural to ask God, “Why?” but He’s up to something.
Series Scripture: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
Big Idea: It is wise to seek God’s will for your life.
Author Mark Twain said the two most important days are the day you are born and the day you figure out…why.
One of the most common questions I get as a pastor is, “How do I know God’s will?” I’d be the first person to say I sometimes wish God would simply send me a text or an e-mail, but He has given us something far greater…if you’re willing to seek it.
Do you have a life verse? A favorite passage of the Bible? A quote that serves as your north star? Mine was selected decades ago and it has guided me better than any GPS. Today during our “Why?” series, we’re examining God’s Will for Your Life.
In the most famous prayer in history, Jesus teaches his disciples to pray, “Your will be done.” But how do we know God’s will? Romans chapter 12 gives us a clear answer, but I want to work backwards. Verse two ends
Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2b)
God’s will is good, and pleasing, and perfect. As I said last week, Daddy knows best. He can be trusted in all things. He’s not mad at you, He’s madly in love with you! He’s not out to get you, He wants to get to know you! My favorite passage of the Bible is found in our scripture reading for today. The first verses of Proverbs chapter three contain several “do not” commands, every one of which is a command in the same grammatical structure as the Ten Commandments. My favorite verses within the section say,
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
I’m living proof of this truth. Even though I haven’t always trusted and followed God, it has been my aspiration, my desire. He has guided me to places I never imagined (can you say ‘Ohio?’) and has never failed me, even when I have failed. The journey has not always been easy or comfortable, but I wouldn’t trade the adventure for anything. Perhaps the greatest thing is the peace and satisfaction of being led by God. When things have gotten rough—and they have—I’ve said, “God, You led me here and You’ve got to lead me through.” He has been so faithful! Hallelujah!
So how do we know God’s will? Back to Romans, the first part of verse two says,
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)
Does the world have influence over you? Absolutely! Even if you were to move to the middle of nowhere with no phone, tv, or Internet, you would surely experience temptation. What is the pattern of this world? Paul wrote,
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. (Colossians 3:5)
We are bombarded by these things in our entertainment, advertising, neighbors, and culture. It’s the way of the world. We need to put it to death!
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)
Be transformed by the renewing of our mind? How do we do that? Let’s back up one more verse.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:1-2)
What’s the therefore there for? Romans chapter 11 ends with a doxology that declares God’s wisdom, knowledge, justice, creation, and sovereignty.
To him be the glory forever! Amen. (Romans 11:36b)
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:1-2)
Therefore we are to submit our bodies—and everything else—to God. Followers of Jesus surrender their rights to Christ. Our bodies belong to the LORD. We are temples where He dwells. How’s your temple? How are you treating it? This is especially true in a sex-crazed culture where immorality runs rampant—even among those who call themselves Christians. The invitation from Jesus is to die—to our sin, our pride, our selfish living—and be resurrected with him, experiencing righteousness, justice, and peace. We renew our mind by studying the Bible, guarding our eyes and ears and heart, and seeking first God’s Kingdom rather than our own.
Taken as a whole, these two verses are loaded! They’re challenging. But they are a path to understanding God’s will. If you really want to know it, you begin by aligning your heart, soul, body and mind with godliness, not the world. Usually that means doing the opposite of what everyone else is doing. It can be lonely. This is why we need to fellowship with one another, encourage one another, love and support one another as we live radical, countercultural lives. If your life doesn’t seem different to what everyone else is doing, you might not be doing it God’s way. Let me be clear, I don’t always get this right, either, but…
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:23-25)
This is a beautiful vision of us—the Church! Love, good deeds, encouragement…
I know some of you simply can’t be here in-person, but if you can gather with us on Sundays, in small groups during the week, and at special events, you will be blessed…and your presence will bless others.
(By the way, we have a little gathering coming up in two weeks. I hope you will all be there…with friends! If not, please pray, pray, pray that God will use this celebration to draw men, women, and children to Himself.)
Back to this issue of calling, our calling is often the intersection of our gifts, our passions, and the world’s needs. What are you good at? What do you love to do? How can that impact the world, near or far? These may give us clues, but it may take years to discover and/or experience. Then again,
there may be more than one calling for our lives. This may be true over the course of our lives. I used to be in sales, then music, now pastoring. My friend Bill went from physical therapist to CFO! Young people, you will likely have multiple careers—which is not always the same as calling, but they often align.
If you’re still trying to figure it out, don’t rush the process. Be faithful in the small things. Memorize Romans 12:1-2. Following Jesus is not a puzzle to solve. It’s a lifelong journey with Christ, being guided by the Bible and the Holy Spirit.
The quest for clarity should result in intimacy with God. Seek and you will find. The goal is not landing the perfect job or even understanding the Bible like a scholar but knowing Jesus.
The quest for clarity should result in intimacy with God. Discern with others. This is why we need to get together. I often say when Heather and I agree on a decision, it is usually God’s will. This is not to say we often disagree nor is it a guarantee, but we need to be on the same page before things such as a relocation or a job change. One friend said to his wife, “God told me to plant a church.” Her reply was respectfully, “When He tells me, we’ll do it.” He wisely waited several years until she said she heard from the LORD. They have been leading their “new” church together for almost sixteen years. Timing is everything. Had he gone ahead, I’m not sure the church and/or their marriage would be intact. Maybe it is God’s will for you to be married, have kids, or move to Hawaii…but it might be years into the future. Remember, God has all the time in the world!
I have a discipleship Huddle with a group of men where I ask three questions:
a. What is God saying to you?
b. What are you going to do about it?
c. How can we help?
We discern together because sometimes we are biased. Wise counsel is…wise!
So What?
It is wise to seek God’s will for your life. Knowing God’s will starts with God, not with us. You can tell God what you want, but if you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans!
Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4)
I think this is what inspired Saint Augustine to say something like, “Love God and do what you want.”
There are few “guarantees” in life or with our choices, but God is gracious and kind. Even when we make an unwise choice, He will redeem the decision, guiding us back onto the path if we’re willing to seek first His Kingdom. His arms are always wide open.
Why were you born? Ultimately you were created to know God, make Him known to others, and bring Him glory. You and I were made to worship…with our voices and with our lives. I challenge you this week to love Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. He’s worth it! Amen.
Reflection Questions
What is your life verse(s)?
How has it guided you?
What brings you joy?
What gifts has God given to you?
What is your life purpose?
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
Why?
March 22, 2026
Proverbs 3:1-7
Series Big Idea: It’s natural to ask God, “Why?” but He’s up to something.
Series Scripture: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
Big Idea: It is wise to seek God’s will for your life.
Author Mark Twain said the two most important days are the day you are born and the day you figure out…why.
One of the most common questions I get as a pastor is, “How do I know God’s will?” I’d be the first person to say I sometimes wish God would simply send me a text or an e-mail, but He has given us something far greater…if you’re willing to seek it.
Do you have a life verse? A favorite passage of the Bible? A quote that serves as your north star? Mine was selected decades ago and it has guided me better than any GPS. Today during our “Why?” series, we’re examining God’s Will for Your Life.
In the most famous prayer in history, Jesus teaches his disciples to pray, “Your will be done.” But how do we know God’s will? Romans chapter 12 gives us a clear answer, but I want to work backwards. Verse two ends
Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2b)
God’s will is good, and pleasing, and perfect. As I said last week, Daddy knows best. He can be trusted in all things. He’s not mad at you, He’s madly in love with you! He’s not out to get you, He wants to get to know you! My favorite passage of the Bible is found in our scripture reading for today. The first verses of Proverbs chapter three contain several “do not” commands, every one of which is a command in the same grammatical structure as the Ten Commandments. My favorite verses within the section say,
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
I’m living proof of this truth. Even though I haven’t always trusted and followed God, it has been my aspiration, my desire. He has guided me to places I never imagined (can you say ‘Ohio?’) and has never failed me, even when I have failed. The journey has not always been easy or comfortable, but I wouldn’t trade the adventure for anything. Perhaps the greatest thing is the peace and satisfaction of being led by God. When things have gotten rough—and they have—I’ve said, “God, You led me here and You’ve got to lead me through.” He has been so faithful! Hallelujah!
So how do we know God’s will? Back to Romans, the first part of verse two says,
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)
Does the world have influence over you? Absolutely! Even if you were to move to the middle of nowhere with no phone, tv, or Internet, you would surely experience temptation. What is the pattern of this world? Paul wrote,
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. (Colossians 3:5)
We are bombarded by these things in our entertainment, advertising, neighbors, and culture. It’s the way of the world. We need to put it to death!
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)
Be transformed by the renewing of our mind? How do we do that? Let’s back up one more verse.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:1-2)
What’s the therefore there for? Romans chapter 11 ends with a doxology that declares God’s wisdom, knowledge, justice, creation, and sovereignty.
To him be the glory forever! Amen. (Romans 11:36b)
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:1-2)
Therefore we are to submit our bodies—and everything else—to God. Followers of Jesus surrender their rights to Christ. Our bodies belong to the LORD. We are temples where He dwells. How’s your temple? How are you treating it? This is especially true in a sex-crazed culture where immorality runs rampant—even among those who call themselves Christians. The invitation from Jesus is to die—to our sin, our pride, our selfish living—and be resurrected with him, experiencing righteousness, justice, and peace. We renew our mind by studying the Bible, guarding our eyes and ears and heart, and seeking first God’s Kingdom rather than our own.
Taken as a whole, these two verses are loaded! They’re challenging. But they are a path to understanding God’s will. If you really want to know it, you begin by aligning your heart, soul, body and mind with godliness, not the world. Usually that means doing the opposite of what everyone else is doing. It can be lonely. This is why we need to fellowship with one another, encourage one another, love and support one another as we live radical, countercultural lives. If your life doesn’t seem different to what everyone else is doing, you might not be doing it God’s way. Let me be clear, I don’t always get this right, either, but…
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:23-25)
This is a beautiful vision of us—the Church! Love, good deeds, encouragement…
I know some of you simply can’t be here in-person, but if you can gather with us on Sundays, in small groups during the week, and at special events, you will be blessed…and your presence will bless others.
(By the way, we have a little gathering coming up in two weeks. I hope you will all be there…with friends! If not, please pray, pray, pray that God will use this celebration to draw men, women, and children to Himself.)
Back to this issue of calling, our calling is often the intersection of our gifts, our passions, and the world’s needs. What are you good at? What do you love to do? How can that impact the world, near or far? These may give us clues, but it may take years to discover and/or experience. Then again,
there may be more than one calling for our lives. This may be true over the course of our lives. I used to be in sales, then music, now pastoring. My friend Bill went from physical therapist to CFO! Young people, you will likely have multiple careers—which is not always the same as calling, but they often align.
If you’re still trying to figure it out, don’t rush the process. Be faithful in the small things. Memorize Romans 12:1-2. Following Jesus is not a puzzle to solve. It’s a lifelong journey with Christ, being guided by the Bible and the Holy Spirit.
The quest for clarity should result in intimacy with God. Seek and you will find. The goal is not landing the perfect job or even understanding the Bible like a scholar but knowing Jesus.
The quest for clarity should result in intimacy with God. Discern with others. This is why we need to get together. I often say when Heather and I agree on a decision, it is usually God’s will. This is not to say we often disagree nor is it a guarantee, but we need to be on the same page before things such as a relocation or a job change. One friend said to his wife, “God told me to plant a church.” Her reply was respectfully, “When He tells me, we’ll do it.” He wisely waited several years until she said she heard from the LORD. They have been leading their “new” church together for almost sixteen years. Timing is everything. Had he gone ahead, I’m not sure the church and/or their marriage would be intact. Maybe it is God’s will for you to be married, have kids, or move to Hawaii…but it might be years into the future. Remember, God has all the time in the world!
I have a discipleship Huddle with a group of men where I ask three questions:
a. What is God saying to you?
b. What are you going to do about it?
c. How can we help?
We discern together because sometimes we are biased. Wise counsel is…wise!
So What?
It is wise to seek God’s will for your life. Knowing God’s will starts with God, not with us. You can tell God what you want, but if you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans!
Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4)
I think this is what inspired Saint Augustine to say something like, “Love God and do what you want.”
There are few “guarantees” in life or with our choices, but God is gracious and kind. Even when we make an unwise choice, He will redeem the decision, guiding us back onto the path if we’re willing to seek first His Kingdom. His arms are always wide open.
Why were you born? Ultimately you were created to know God, make Him known to others, and bring Him glory. You and I were made to worship…with our voices and with our lives. I challenge you this week to love Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. He’s worth it! Amen.
Reflection Questions
What is your life verse(s)?
How has it guided you?
What brings you joy?
What gifts has God given to you?
What is your life purpose?
When Prayers Go Unanswered, 15 March 2026
15 03 26
When Prayers Go Unanswered
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
Why?
March 15, 2026
2 Corinthians 12:6-10
Series Big Idea: It’s natural to ask God, “Why?” but He’s up to something.
Series Scripture: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
Big Idea: God always answers our prayers, even when it doesn’t feel like it.
Why? It might be my favorite question. I’m a very curious person. I like to understand how things work, what goes on behind the scenes, where things originated. Asking, “Why?” can be a path toward comprehension and even appreciation. Simon Sinek wrote a great book entitled Start with Why. The question can also be a provocative challenge.
Today we begin a new series entitled, “Why?” It’s a question we’ve all asked God…even if we say we don’t believe in God!
Why did the child die?
Why am I unable to break this addiction?
Why is there evil in the world?
Why can’t I find a job…a spouse…relief for my pain?
Listen to these prayers.
How long, LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? (Psalm 13:1)
Awake, Lord! Why do you sleep? Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever. (Psalm 44:23)
Break the teeth in their mouths, O God; LORD, tear out the fangs of those lions! (Psalm 58:6)
If only you, God, would slay the wicked! (Psalm 139:19a)
Do you hear the passion? Can you sense the honesty. The audacity! It’s messy, but genuine.
Each of those prayers come from King David in the Psalms. He doesn’t sugarcoat anything but authentically pours out his heart to God…and we can, too.
You can be real with God. He can handle anything you throw His way…fear, doubt, anger, worry, praise, confession, petitions…
You can even ask, “Why?” though I have an even better question I’ll share later.
What happens when our prayers go unanswered?
Can you relate? If God is good, if God loves me, if God is in control, then why…?
I know the feeling. We all know the feeling. Some have even used what they thought was God ghosting them—doing nothing—as reason to reject God. If God won’t meet my demands, maybe I need to find a new god!
I want to encourage you today. I want to offer hope—real hope. God is good and He does love you and He is in control…and because of that, He knows how to best respond to our prayers.
God always answers our prayers, even when it doesn’t feel like it.
He responds with yes, no, or wait. The challenge is we don’t always get instant feedback on our petitions. If you pray for a sick friend, it would be nice if God said, “They will be healed, but it will take two surgeries and six months before they are fully healed.” At least you would have realistic expectations, though you would surely prefer a miraculous instant healing instead!
This begs the question, “Why doesn’t He just say ‘yes’ to all of my requests?” I don’t mean to make light of your struggles, but I think it’s the same reason I didn’t say ‘yes’ to my kids when they wanted a big bowl of ice cream at bedtime. Daddy knows best. He can be trusted. He really is good, He really does answer our prayers, even when it doesn’t feel like it.
Few people understood this better than Paul, the writer of much of the New Testament of the Bible. In his letter to a European church, he wrote about an encounter with God.
Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. (2 Corinthians 12:7b)
What was this thorn? We don’t know. There are a few theories. It could’ve been…
- A physical issue such as chronic pain, malaria, epilepsy, or an eye disease (10:10)
- Opposition from false teachers and critics (11:1-5)
- Spiritual oppression or unrelenting temptation (1 Thess. 2:18)
- Depression, discouragement, or some other mental illness (2:4)
We don’t know, but what is clear is it had a purpose…to keep Paul humble. The Bible is filled with stories of people tested. I doubt any understood or welcomed these experiences…at the time.
Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. (2 Corinthians 12:8)
In Luke 18, Jesus tells a parable about a persistent widow who keeps bothering a judge, seeking justice. The moral of the story is we should always pray and not give up. Are we supposed to annoy God with our constant prayers? Not exactly, but the message seems to be persevere. God’s not deaf, but He loves to hear your voice. In Paul’s case, God replied after the third time.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9a)
I don’t think this was the response Paul wanted. Three times Paul said, “Take it away” and God said, “No.” The Greek word for grace here, charis, denotes Christ’s power to strengthen and endure hardship.
God always answers our prayers, even when it doesn’t feel like it. He says, “Yes, no, or wait.” Paul was blessed with a specific reply and explanation from God, but usually we hear nothing. We see nothing. We experience nothing…and wonder if God is there.
He is! Listen to Jesus’ last words in the book of Matthew:
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20b)
King David asked,
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? (Psalm 139:7)
He is here. I promise! He said He would never leave or forsake us.
Back to Paul, God says no to removing this thorn in Paul’s life, leaving him with this weakness to show God’s power. Paul continues,
Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:9b)
People love to talk about themselves, post their accomplishments online, show the world their highlight reels, and seek approval from others. Paul was humbled by this thorn, this trial, this test. It served a purpose…Paul’s good and God’s glory.
That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:10)
Does Paul sound like a crazy man, delighting in weakness, insults, hardship, persecutions, difficulties? He would be if it wasn’t for the short phrase, “For Christ’s sake.” Jesus taught us to pray, “Lord, Your Kingdom come, Your will be done.”
Nobody knows pain and suffering like Jesus. He was facing the cup of death, of crucifixion and prayed,
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)
He said, “Father, this is my will…but yours be done.” This is what Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane…three times (like Paul). Can you say that? Can you pray that? It takes faith and trust in our good, good Father. Job said,
The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.” (Job 1:21b)
So What?
There are many things I don’t understand about God. I have asked Him “why?” more times than I can count. Some prayers required waiting nearly a decade for visible action. There are, however, some things I do understand.
1. God loves us. He proved it.
2. God is with us. He sees us. The Holy Spirit lives inside believers.
3. God answers our prayers. Always. Not always on-demand with a yes.
4. We don’t always need to understand why.
5. It’s helpful to ask, “What are you up to, LORD?”
6. God is working through the waiting. Don’t give up.
7. Seek first His will and Kingdom. The Lord’s Prayer.
8. Jesus understands pain and grief and loss and suffering and betrayal and…
9. This life is preparation for the next one…which will last much longer!
10. We would love to pray with you and for you…at the conclusion of the service or even online (e-mail me)
I want to close with the scripture that summarizes today and the weeks to come in this series.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
Do you love God? He loves you. He wants the very best for you. And He always answers our prayers, even when it doesn’t feel like it. The best is yet to come. It will be worth the wait.
Bonus Content
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZDvcEkjthA
In season 3 of the TV show The Chosen, one of Jesus’ disciples remains unhealed after years of prayer and he asks…why? Although not exactly a biblical quote, Jesus says in the episode,
“In the Father’s will, I could heal you right now, and you’d have a good story to tell…but there are already dozens who can tell that story…but to show people that you are patient with your suffering here on earth because you know you’ll spend eternity with no suffering, not everyone can understand that. How many people do you think the Father and trust this with? Not many…Remember, you will be healed. It’s only a matter of time.”
Reflection Questions
What are my expectations of God?
When has He answered my prayers?
Who can you prayer for and support?
Are you willing to ask for help? Prayer?
Can you think of a time when God revealed the purpose of a trial to you?
If He never says yes to your prayer, is He enough?
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
Why?
March 15, 2026
2 Corinthians 12:6-10
Series Big Idea: It’s natural to ask God, “Why?” but He’s up to something.
Series Scripture: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
Big Idea: God always answers our prayers, even when it doesn’t feel like it.
Why? It might be my favorite question. I’m a very curious person. I like to understand how things work, what goes on behind the scenes, where things originated. Asking, “Why?” can be a path toward comprehension and even appreciation. Simon Sinek wrote a great book entitled Start with Why. The question can also be a provocative challenge.
Today we begin a new series entitled, “Why?” It’s a question we’ve all asked God…even if we say we don’t believe in God!
Why did the child die?
Why am I unable to break this addiction?
Why is there evil in the world?
Why can’t I find a job…a spouse…relief for my pain?
Listen to these prayers.
How long, LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? (Psalm 13:1)
Awake, Lord! Why do you sleep? Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever. (Psalm 44:23)
Break the teeth in their mouths, O God; LORD, tear out the fangs of those lions! (Psalm 58:6)
If only you, God, would slay the wicked! (Psalm 139:19a)
Do you hear the passion? Can you sense the honesty. The audacity! It’s messy, but genuine.
Each of those prayers come from King David in the Psalms. He doesn’t sugarcoat anything but authentically pours out his heart to God…and we can, too.
You can be real with God. He can handle anything you throw His way…fear, doubt, anger, worry, praise, confession, petitions…
You can even ask, “Why?” though I have an even better question I’ll share later.
What happens when our prayers go unanswered?
Can you relate? If God is good, if God loves me, if God is in control, then why…?
I know the feeling. We all know the feeling. Some have even used what they thought was God ghosting them—doing nothing—as reason to reject God. If God won’t meet my demands, maybe I need to find a new god!
I want to encourage you today. I want to offer hope—real hope. God is good and He does love you and He is in control…and because of that, He knows how to best respond to our prayers.
God always answers our prayers, even when it doesn’t feel like it.
He responds with yes, no, or wait. The challenge is we don’t always get instant feedback on our petitions. If you pray for a sick friend, it would be nice if God said, “They will be healed, but it will take two surgeries and six months before they are fully healed.” At least you would have realistic expectations, though you would surely prefer a miraculous instant healing instead!
This begs the question, “Why doesn’t He just say ‘yes’ to all of my requests?” I don’t mean to make light of your struggles, but I think it’s the same reason I didn’t say ‘yes’ to my kids when they wanted a big bowl of ice cream at bedtime. Daddy knows best. He can be trusted. He really is good, He really does answer our prayers, even when it doesn’t feel like it.
Few people understood this better than Paul, the writer of much of the New Testament of the Bible. In his letter to a European church, he wrote about an encounter with God.
Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. (2 Corinthians 12:7b)
What was this thorn? We don’t know. There are a few theories. It could’ve been…
- A physical issue such as chronic pain, malaria, epilepsy, or an eye disease (10:10)
- Opposition from false teachers and critics (11:1-5)
- Spiritual oppression or unrelenting temptation (1 Thess. 2:18)
- Depression, discouragement, or some other mental illness (2:4)
We don’t know, but what is clear is it had a purpose…to keep Paul humble. The Bible is filled with stories of people tested. I doubt any understood or welcomed these experiences…at the time.
Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. (2 Corinthians 12:8)
In Luke 18, Jesus tells a parable about a persistent widow who keeps bothering a judge, seeking justice. The moral of the story is we should always pray and not give up. Are we supposed to annoy God with our constant prayers? Not exactly, but the message seems to be persevere. God’s not deaf, but He loves to hear your voice. In Paul’s case, God replied after the third time.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9a)
I don’t think this was the response Paul wanted. Three times Paul said, “Take it away” and God said, “No.” The Greek word for grace here, charis, denotes Christ’s power to strengthen and endure hardship.
God always answers our prayers, even when it doesn’t feel like it. He says, “Yes, no, or wait.” Paul was blessed with a specific reply and explanation from God, but usually we hear nothing. We see nothing. We experience nothing…and wonder if God is there.
He is! Listen to Jesus’ last words in the book of Matthew:
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20b)
King David asked,
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? (Psalm 139:7)
He is here. I promise! He said He would never leave or forsake us.
Back to Paul, God says no to removing this thorn in Paul’s life, leaving him with this weakness to show God’s power. Paul continues,
Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:9b)
People love to talk about themselves, post their accomplishments online, show the world their highlight reels, and seek approval from others. Paul was humbled by this thorn, this trial, this test. It served a purpose…Paul’s good and God’s glory.
That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:10)
Does Paul sound like a crazy man, delighting in weakness, insults, hardship, persecutions, difficulties? He would be if it wasn’t for the short phrase, “For Christ’s sake.” Jesus taught us to pray, “Lord, Your Kingdom come, Your will be done.”
Nobody knows pain and suffering like Jesus. He was facing the cup of death, of crucifixion and prayed,
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)
He said, “Father, this is my will…but yours be done.” This is what Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane…three times (like Paul). Can you say that? Can you pray that? It takes faith and trust in our good, good Father. Job said,
The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.” (Job 1:21b)
So What?
There are many things I don’t understand about God. I have asked Him “why?” more times than I can count. Some prayers required waiting nearly a decade for visible action. There are, however, some things I do understand.
1. God loves us. He proved it.
2. God is with us. He sees us. The Holy Spirit lives inside believers.
3. God answers our prayers. Always. Not always on-demand with a yes.
4. We don’t always need to understand why.
5. It’s helpful to ask, “What are you up to, LORD?”
6. God is working through the waiting. Don’t give up.
7. Seek first His will and Kingdom. The Lord’s Prayer.
8. Jesus understands pain and grief and loss and suffering and betrayal and…
9. This life is preparation for the next one…which will last much longer!
10. We would love to pray with you and for you…at the conclusion of the service or even online (e-mail me)
I want to close with the scripture that summarizes today and the weeks to come in this series.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
Do you love God? He loves you. He wants the very best for you. And He always answers our prayers, even when it doesn’t feel like it. The best is yet to come. It will be worth the wait.
Bonus Content
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZDvcEkjthA
In season 3 of the TV show The Chosen, one of Jesus’ disciples remains unhealed after years of prayer and he asks…why? Although not exactly a biblical quote, Jesus says in the episode,
“In the Father’s will, I could heal you right now, and you’d have a good story to tell…but there are already dozens who can tell that story…but to show people that you are patient with your suffering here on earth because you know you’ll spend eternity with no suffering, not everyone can understand that. How many people do you think the Father and trust this with? Not many…Remember, you will be healed. It’s only a matter of time.”
Reflection Questions
What are my expectations of God?
When has He answered my prayers?
Who can you prayer for and support?
Are you willing to ask for help? Prayer?
Can you think of a time when God revealed the purpose of a trial to you?
If He never says yes to your prayer, is He enough?