Why? or Why not?

The challenges of life continue to be thrown at us all, and there are times when you just want to take a step back and say, why? Why do bad things happen to good people? Why is life so hard? The answer may seem to be complex, but actually it can be narrowed down to a very simple explanation.

We serve an all knowing and all loving God. He knows exactly what is going on and the reasons for everything happening the way it does. Does that mean he wants bad things to happen? No, but He has given us the skills, intelligence, etc. to make our own decisions and reap the results. No, we don't like some of these results and its how we handle these challenges that God wants to see.

The Christmas season is a time to celebrate, but it is also a time where families are struggling to make ends meet and provide for their families. Some of us are blessed more than others and we are called to use these blessings to help those in greater need. Many talk a good game, but choose to go about their own lives and ignore the needs of others. It's actually quite sad, and its not the calling that we accepted when we chose to follow Jesus.

The answer to why is not really the point, the real question is “Why not?” We will leave this life the same way we came in, with nothing. What we do with the gifts we have while on this earth is up to us. We see the lives of many end suddenly and it reminds us that our time on this earth is short. We must make the most of the time we have. So when you are compelled to ask “Why?” May I suggest that you change that to “Why not?” Make a difference, while you can!