What to Do When It Doesn’t Make Sense

by Rick Warren — July 13, 2023
From How to Get Through What You’re Going Through

“I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’ It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me . . . I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance.”

Job 42:2-3, 6 (NLT)

Instead of asking God, “Why?” you need to learn to trust God in things you don’t understand. 

For 37 chapters in the book of Job, Job asks the “why” questions: “Why is this happening to me? Why are you allowing this? Why so much pain? Why so much discomfort? Why haven’t you answered my prayers?” 

In chapter 38, Job stops asking, “Why?” And God says, “I have some questions for you” (Job 38:3 NLT). And for the next two chapters, God barrages Job with questions that only God can answer. 

He asks things like, “Where were you when I made the universe? Can you explain the law of gravity?” And, after two chapters, Job realizes that he is just a man, and his knowledge is limited. Who is he to question God? 

Job stops questioning, and he starts trusting. He replies to the Lord, “I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’ It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me . . . I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance” (Job 42:2-3, 6 NLT).  

What do you do in a situation where you can’t see the whole picture, things aren’t clear, and what’s happening makes no sense to you?

You remind yourself of the things you know about God. Even in the middle of his doubts, Job affirmed what he knew to be true about God: God is loving (Job 10:12), God is all-powerful (Job 36:22), God is in control (Job 34:13), God had a plan for Job’s life (Job 23:14), and God would protect Job (Job 5:11). 

God is passionately and intimately aware of every detail that you’re going through right now. He’s paying attention to your every breath. God doesn’t miss anything.

You may not understand why you’re going through what you’re going through, but you need to say this to God: “I know you’re good. I know you’re powerful. I know you see the details of my life. I know you’re in control and you have a plan.” Then, you need to trust God—no matter what. 

Whatever you’re going through, tell God exactly how you feel. He can handle it! Then stop asking, “Why?” and start trusting God for the things you don’t understand. 

Talk It Over

  • What do you know is true about God? How do you know those things are true?
  • How does knowing God better help you trust him more?
  • Write down a prayer that affirms who God is and why you can trust him, and thank him for his loving attention to you.

Give hope, prayer, and encouragement below. Post a comment & talk about it.