Why Did This Happen?

If the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? — Judges 6:13

Gideon’s question in our text is a common one asked by many everyday. Sometimes the unthinkable happens and we are left wondering, “Why did God allow this to happen TO ME!”  You need not feel alone is asking “why?”  Some of the greatest heroes of faith asked “Why?” Job asked why he was born (Job 3:11). When Moses answered God’s call to deliver Israel from Egypt but Pharaoh refused to let Israel go, Moses asked God, “Why” (Ex. 5:22). David asked God “why” He did not come to help him (Ps. 22:1).  The Psalmist asked God, “Why hast thou forgotten me?” (Ps. 42:9). Even Jesus asked the question “why” while suffering on the cross (Mt. 27:46).

“Why did this happen?” Well, there is a short term answer and a long term answer.  In the short term, things happen to us because they are the natural effect of a previous action or decision. For example, when Joseph was sold as a slave, it was the result of his brother’s jealousy. But the long term answer was because it was part of God’s plan to save Israel during a coming famine.

The only thing you and I need to know right now is that God is sovereign and in control. He has a master plan He is working out.  Every micro occurrence and succeeding reaction in the affairs of universe fits into God’s eternal plan. Our minds are too puny to understand it right now. “His ways are past finding out” (Rom. 11:33).  “FOR NOW we see through a glass darkly” (1 Cor. 13:12).  Someday you will understand it, but you may have to wait until you get to heaven to “see it.”  But then, it won’t matter anyhow, will it?

When Gideon asked, “Why then is all this befallen us?” the angel did not go into some deep theological discussion and attempt to justify God’s ways to man.  Instead of giving Gideon an answer, Gideon was given a command! The solution is not in getting an answer to your question—It is found in what action you will take.

All we can do right now is walk by faith, trusting in the eternal God who is too loving to be unkind, and too wise to make a mistake.