UNPACK this...What Is God Doing?Sample

Fans Want Answers

In 2017, fans were caught off guard when former Carolina Panthers owner, Jerry Richardson, fired general manager, Dave Gettleman. After all, Gettleman had a solid run since 2013, including being named NFL’s Executive of the Year for his 2015 Super Bowl roster.

Although fans demanded answers, they were left to read between the lines and draw their own conclusions.

Scott Fowler, of The Charlotte Observer, wrote a column with the headline: “Mister Richardson, Panthers Fans Deserve More Explanation Than ‘Because I Said So.’”

Panthers fans wanted to hear a full explanation of what went on behind the scenes, but they had to accept that some of the information was going to be kept private unless there was a purpose to reveal it and other questions would be answered at the proper time.

As followers of Jesus, we find ourselves in similar situations when it comes to questioning God. Things happen that we don’t understand, and God’s plans seem vague to us. We want to know what He’s up to…why He’s allowed something to happen…and when He’s going to answer our prayers.

In our pride, we think we “deserve” to know what’s going on and want an explanation beyond “because I said so.”

However, the Bible explains in Psalm 135:6, “Whatever the Lord pleases, He does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps.”

When we surrender to God’s sovereignty, power, and goodness, we can trust His will is best, and that He’ll show us what we need to know when we need to know it.

In the meantime, instead of asking why, we can rest in knowing God’s in control and He’ll work things out for good. We must remember who God is, and not forget the reality of His grace and mercy, and that He doesn’t owe us anything.

When we find ourselves confused and looking for answers, we can trust the promise in Isaiah 55:9: “For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts.”

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I’m sorry I spend time trying to figure things out and asking why. Help me rest in Your goodness and trust Your sovereignty. I pray I’d be patient and humble when I don’t know what You’re up to. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.