Shifting Our Focus

My loving wife of 55 years suffered the last 13 years of her earthly life with nonsmoker’s lung cancer with surgeries, radiology treatments, and chemotherapy. Her last two years were so painful that she begged God daily to bring her home to Heaven.

During those times I was prone to ask God: Why? Why her, she loves You so much? Why must she suffer so much? Why do my prayers for healing seem to go unanswered? Why would someone who has taken such good care of her body with good nutrition and exercising be stricken with such a cruel disease? Why would someone who was used by You to lead so many to Christ have to endure this?

Those are fair questions. But asking God “why” seldom—if ever—results in an answer.  

The Bible tells the story of Job, who suffered great loss and pain and repeatedly sought an answer to the question, “Why?” God eventually answered, of course, but not as Job wanted. God never answered Job’s “why” questions. God repeatedly—and at length—pointed out that His wisdom and experience so far surpassed Job’s earthly perspective that a satisfactory explanation was impossible. Not because of God’s limitations (Who has none) but because of Job’s. The story shifts, however, when Job says, “Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. Therefore I . . . repent in dust and ashes” (Job 42:3, 6).

That is, Job discovered a better question than “why.” It is a question God is far more likely to answer, which is “What now?” Not “God, you owe me an explanation,” but “God, how should I respond to this?”

When I am in hardships or being treated unfairly, it is natural to feel self-pity, even anger, and ask, “Why, God?” But when I pray instead, “What now, God?” He shows me how to respond with self-sacrifice instead of self-pity and anger.

When my plans crumble in my hands, I quickly respond with frustration and ask “Why, God?” But when I pray “What now, God?” He tenderly but firmly suggests a new plan and often calls out of me new strength, determination and resiliency.

So try it. Go ahead and ask, “Why?” (Who knows, maybe you’ll get a better answer than Job). But let that question lead to the better one: “What now?”

Shift your focus to "Grow me, God, in the What now”; this encourages faith, trust, and spiritual growth. 

Asking "grow me, God" frames challenging situations as opportunities for personal development and learning, rather than as punishments or injustices. It acknowledges that God has a purpose for your life and that even difficult experiences can be used for good. It reflects a humble attitude, recognizing that God's ways are often beyond our understanding and that we are open to His guidance. It encourages a more proactive and trusting relationship with God, inviting Him to shape and mold you into the person He intends you to be. By focusing on growth, you're more likely to develop resilience and strength to overcome challenges, knowing that you're growing closer to God in the process.

In essence, "grow me, God" is a prayer for transformation, a request for God to use your experiences to make you stronger, wiser, and more like Him. God’s growth process is highlighted with the reality In Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

The verse is not about achieving anything you desire, but rather about growing to endure hardships and fulfilling God's will through His strength. We can do all things, not because of our own abilities, but because of the strength and power that Christ provides. The words are a reminder that we can persevere through trials and difficulties, knowing that God's strength is sufficient for every situation. It is a powerful message of hope and assurance, reminding us that we can find contentment and peace in Christ, regardless of our circumstances. 

There is such great power in merely invoking the name of the Lord and meditating on placing yourself in His care. When all hope seems lost, Philippians 4:13 is a great place to start over again. So, wherever you are in your life today, whatever challenges that you have, ask, “What now?” and grow with Christ. He is the strength behind our success. He is the source of recovery from all our failures. With Christ, we can indeed to all things. We can endure all things. We can be the dependent child that our loving Heavenly Father wants us to be. 

With Christ providing the strength, we can turn the “Why me” into “Grow me”.