When We Don't Understand Why – Dr. Charles Stanley

Dr. Charles Stanley begins by referencing an old gospel song about trials and not understanding why God leads us through difficult situations. He acknowledges that people react differently to hardship, some with anger towards God, others with rejoicing. Stanley questions how we should respond when we don't understand God's reasons. He explains that God's perspective is total, encompassing past, present, and future, while human understanding is limited. Even though we may not comprehend His reasons, God's love, righteousness, mercy, and goodness dictate His allowing certain things to happen. He cites Isaiah 55:8-9, stating that God's thoughts and ways are higher than ours, implying some things will remain beyond our comprehension in this life.

Stanley then turns to Lamentations 3, highlighting that 'The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,' and 'His compassions never fail; for they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.' This reassures us that God's goodness, love, and mercy are constant, fresh every day, regardless of our understanding. The key is to respond correctly to circumstances, seeing things God's way, rather than insisting on our own understanding.

Drawing from 1 Peter 5:6-10, Dr. Stanley advises Christians undergoing hardship to humble themselves under God's mighty hand, cast all anxiety on Him, and resist the devil. He emphasizes that suffering is for 'a little while' in God's time and that after suffering, 'the God of all grace... will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.' He stresses that the most important question is not 'Why did this happen?' but 'How am I to respond?' Our response determines whether our suffering is valuable or wasted. God is not obligated to explain His reasons, but He desires a correct response from us.

Stanley shares a personal anecdote of tripping and falling, resulting in injuries, as an example of not understanding 'why.' His immediate question was, 'God, what are You up to?' He believes that for a child of God walking in the Spirit, there are no accidents, only God working His purpose. He experienced blessings and opportunities to witness even through the pain and perceived God's intention to slow him down. He affirms that God does not allow hardship without a divine purpose, and believers should seek to understand God's message in their trials. Every trial is an opportunity for profit and growth rather than wasted pain.

Dr. Stanley outlines key responses: 1) Immediately remember you are a child of God and He is watching over you. 2) Recall God's presence: 'I am with you always' and 'I'll never leave you nor forsake you.' Recognize that whatever happens is in His sight and permissive will. 3) Acknowledge that God has a divine purpose for everything; it's not an accident. 4) Thank Him. Citing 1 Thessalonians 5:18, 'Giving thanks in all things,' he encourages finding something to be thankful for even amidst suffering. He also reminds us of Romans 8:28, 'God causes all things to work together for good to those who are called according to His purpose.' These scriptures serve as spiritual ammunition, brought to mind by the Holy Spirit.

Revisiting 1 Peter 5:10, Stanley explains that after suffering 'for a little while,' God Himself will 'perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish' us. This indicates that God works good in our lives through trials, changing us for the better. He shares that despite the pain, if similar results (spiritual growth, witnessing opportunities) could be achieved, he would go through it again, emphasizing that God's presence alleviates darkness and fear. He concludes by urging those who haven't trusted Jesus as Savior to do so, explaining that only then can they claim God's presence, power, and promises. For believers, he encourages reflecting on these truths and allowing God to build strength, confidence, and faith through trials.