Into the Fire

We've all asked the simple question. Why did this have to happen? Why did he do this? Why does she have to be so stubborn? Why can't I stand them? Why can't some good things happen once in a while?

Many times we ask without expecting a concrete answer. Other times we ask wishing for one. And sometimes we don't like the answer we get or know.

The answer might come quickly, take a long time to discover, or maybe never arrive.

For believers, longing for an answer is just as compelling as for a non-believer. However, believers do understand one thing: answers can be complicated and finding them can be illusive. We know there is purpose in all things, but that purpose might elude us until our venture into eternity. Unbelievers search with equal determination but rely on substance they can touch, see, feel, and explain. Humanity must contain answers even if they can't be found.

"Why?" is a prominent question guiding writers of stories. Motivations, reasons for behaviors, and purpose for incidents must be approached, considered, and at least somewhat answered in fiction. The author is responsible for multiple conflicts surrounding a major inciting incident and tying them together with workable solutions or leaving the reader with a viable cliffhanger, all making for good novels. However, life isn't always so cut and dried.

Tragedy, sorrow, evil, intervene "normal" lives and leave people asking "Why?" What did I do to deserve this? How could this happen? And so on. The same question could be asked of joyful rewards, splendid occurrences, and remarkable pleasures. Answers often cannot be explained in simple terms. They're mysterious and perhaps not understandable.

It's a difficult question to answer in many cases. Sometimes the answer we get we don't like. And it won't do. What then? Sometimes the answer is "Don't ask".

We will, though. Continue to ask. We can't help ourselves.

Father, some things reach deep into our souls and we crave understanding. Trust doesn't come easy for some of us even though we know trusting you is the best answer to any of our questions. Please help us to go through the hard things without losing faith because you're the best possible way to traverse the journey of life. With you all things are possible. Thank you for that. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.