Why

Hebrews 12:1 “…let us run the race set before us.”

While in India, I discovered that circumstances have little to do with one’s happiness. There I saw untold numbers of people who were living in circumstances the most deprived here in the United States would consider deplorable. Yet–there was about the Christians a brighter sparkle in their eyes than is found in much of our privileged Western culture. They had learned to flourish in their environment.

I saw no Believers who spent their time pining for a better opportunity and blaming God, the government, or others for their predicament. They had chosen to live the life which they had been given–to run the race set before them.

Someone expressed the futility of desiring to know all the answers in this statement:
God is too kind to do anything cruel…
Too wise to make a mistake…
Too deep to explain Himself.

Philosophers ponder the “why” of civilizations as they seek to unravel the mysterious circumstances which have brought us to our current place. Such pondering usually includes a humanistic perspective of “fairness.” “If,” they opine, “God is Sovereign and He has chosen to place some in lands of plenty while others languish in want, then He most certainly is not fair.”

I think that rather than deliberate the why, one would be well served to consider how he will deal effectively with and enjoy the environs wherein he finds himself.

That involves a choice. If you are a genuine Believer in God through faith in Jesus Christ, your happiness is not predicated upon that which happens around you, but rather that which happens within you. Choose this day to live the most effective life possible for Christ’s Glory and you’ll find limitless joy in your relationships, your occupation, and your circumstance.

Choose to trust God to have you where you’re best suited to live effectively for Him.

Now, a quick word of caution: This is not fatalism where we have no hope and just must make the best of a bad situation. No!!! A thousand times, NO!! I’m speaking of choosing to find purpose and meaning in running effectively and efficiently that race which has been set before you with an eye upon the prize God promises to those who successfully complete the course.

Run the race well and do not allow circumstances or past failures to discourage or frustrate you. Choose to enjoy studying for your Phd while attending the University of Life. Don’t worry about the “Why.” Choose to run well.