The Best Question II Chron. 33: 11 CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO
When you go through affliction one of the first questions that comes to mind is, “Why?” That’s not a good question. You wouldn’t like the answer. You would argue with God about it. He’s not going to explain it to you anymore than he explained it to Job.
Robert Murphy, in his book, The Fight for Light, The Spiritual Battle with Chronic Illness, copyright 2012, Daystar Publishing, pg. 55, wrote, “Would you allow me to say something you may not want to hear, and still stay with me through the rest of this chapter? The question “why” only brings discouragement, sorrow, and bitterness. It is a question that is rarely ever answered, and one with which we will drive ourselves, and those around us, out of our minds trying to figure out.”
Bro. Murphy decided that the right question is, “What?” Okay, so I have this affliction; now what do you want me to do? Well, God would say:
- I want you to trust me – Prov 3:5-6
- I want you to go through this so you can console someone else – 2 Cor 1:3-7
- I want you to grow stronger in faith – 1 Pet 5:10
- I want you to learn to depend upon my grace – 2 Cor 12:9-10
- I want you to glorify my name – Acts 9:16
Though “what” is a better question, “what” is not the best question. The best question is “Who?” Who are you Lord in all of this? That’s the best question. In 2 Chr 33:12-13, Manasseh knew that the Lord he was God. That is the sum of the whole matter right there. God reveals himself to you in affliction.
After Nebuchadnezzar suffered, then he knew that the most High rules in the kingdom of men. Daniel had already prophesied to him this truth but he didn’t “get it” until he went through affliction. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego didn’t see the Lord Jesus Christ until they were thrown into the furnace. Paul desired to know Jesus [Phil 3:10] but knew that he would have to fellowship in his sufferings before he could really know “who” Jesus is.
Conclusion: so the next time you find yourself in affliction, don’t waste your time asking “why.” And though it will not be unprofitable to ask “what,” don’t stop there. Find out “who” the Lord is; that’s what he really wants you to know.