Because

Week 12, Monday

Dianne Dougharty

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (nlt)

When our girls were young, we had a children’s album by Anne Murray. I guess if the fact that it was Anne Murray does not date me, the fact that it was an LP certainly will! The first song was titled “Why Oh Why (Why, Why, Why),” and it asked a lot of silly questions that had no answers. Our youngest daughter was especially prone to ask a lot of questions. Many, like the questions in the song, we could not answer. At times she would question us to the point of frustration. You see, often there was not an answer to her questions; all we could say was, “Because . . . just because.”

I have often along this journey of life asked my heavenly Father, “Why? Why did You lead us to step down from our ministry position? Why have You had us on a three-year journey, Lord? Why at times are You silent? Why have You, Father, allowed my husband to suffer with a condition for which there is no cure, no medicine, and no operation? Apart from You there is no healing and no deliverance.”

There have been times, with an attitude of brokenness and tears streaming down, I cried out, “Why, Lord? Why?” Then there have been times, with an attitude of anger and frustration, I cried out, “Why, Lord? Why? I do not understand! Where are You?” Yet, no matter the attitude of my heart, His answer is always the same: “My child . . . because. It is because I love you. It is because I know best.”

In Luke 1:26-38, we see Gabriel sent by God, talking to a young virgin named Mary, saying, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God” (verse 30, nasb). He told her that she would conceive and bear a son and, “you shall name Him Jesus” (verse 31, nasb). It’s interesting that Mary asked, “How?” and not “Why?” “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” (verse 34, nasb). Gabriel told her it would be done by God’s power. I love her response: “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word” (verse 38, nasb).

Father, help me to trust You with all my heart, as Mary did, to know that often the circumstances You allow are “because,” because You love me. You, my heavenly Father, know what is best. “May it be done to me according to your word.” Amen.