We become philosophers when sudden adversities strike. When our worlds fall apart without warning: fatal illness diagnosed, death strikes, loss or failure suffered, divorce, broken relationship or rejection experienced, or hurt by betrayal, slander, or hatred. It’s then we ask, “Why this? Why Me? Why Now?”
But, let me ask some counter questions: “Why not? If not you, who would you suggest? And if not now, would you have preferred last week or tomorrow?”
In the face of life-shattering experiences, it is sometimes helpful to recognize that there are things we can never fully understand in this side of the world. One day, however, God will make plain his purpose in allowing those things in our lives. Jesus told Peter: “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this” (John 13:7).
Rather than frustrating ourselves with the “Why” questions, or complaining and arguing with God, we must simply defer our questions to a future time. More often than not, time gives a better perspective of things on our painful and difficult experiences.—Samuel Koranteng-Pipim
© Samuel Koranteng-Pipim: Permission is granted to share thought nuggets from this website provided they are reproduced in full and are for non-commercial use only. Pertinent quotes can also be excerpted from the nuggets and shared with others. Users of both nuggets and/or quotes must acknowledge Samuel Koranteng-Pipim as the author and give the appropriate EAGLESonline link as the source.
SAMUEL KORANTENG-PIPIM,PH.D. , is a US-based Ghanaian author, inspirational speaker, leadership trainer, and an advocate for youth empowerment. He was trained in engineering and systematic theology, and has authored more than twenty books. They include his bestselling works Hope Through the Dark, Six More Chances, Healed Wounds but Ugly Scars, and Patience in the Midst of Trials and Afflictions. Dr. Pipim currently directs two Centers for Leadership Development known as EAGLES (Empowerment & Advisory Group for Leadership, Excellence, & Service) and ANANSE (African Network & Advisory for Needed Services & Excellence). www.EAGLESonline.org. He also serves as a special consultant on Bible projects for Remnant Publications. 