The Four Ws

Ephesians 6:13 – Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. (NASB)

It is sad to say, but many times, I have found myself questioning our Lord. Usually this occurs during times when I feel like I can no longer go on with a problem, or I don't understand the struggles or heavy burdens someone else is facing. At such times, I find myself using one or more of the four Ws in questioning God. But He always sends me to His owner's manual, the Bible, and reminds me of today's Scripture, which I need to practice daily.

"What are the four Ws?" You may ask. They are the Why, When, Where, or What questions that we sometimes throw at God when we don't understand things we face in our daily life.

"Why, Lord, is this happening? I just don't understand."

"When are You going to send the answer to these prayers, Lord?"

"Where are You, Lord? You said that You would be there. This is just too hard for anyone to go through. Are You even hearing my prayers?"

"What is really happening here, Lord? Is this a spiritual attack?"

At the times when I have come to the Lord with any of these questions, He has reminded me that I have not been doing all that I am supposed to be doing according to today's Scripture. We need to study and learn the steps in putting on the full armour of God. Then we are able to handle anything that comes along, because we know that He is with us, even until the end of time.

Sometimes our struggles last longer because we do not want to accept God's answer, or we don't let Him have full control. We try to tell Him how to handle things. We break down when we forget to go back to God's Word and practice what He tells us. Is this not what an owner's manual is for: to show us the right way? I cannot promise that I will never ask the four Ws again, but with God's help, it will happen less often. How about you?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come to You in Jesus' name on behalf of those whose prayers go up to Your throne daily through this ministry and in our private prayers. We want to do what You tell us, Lord, but at times when tragedy strikes or we face other struggles and problems in our lives, we question You. Forgive us, Lord, when we fall. We praise You for never leaving or forsaking us, as Your Word promises. Help us to become stronger and more faithful prayer warriors, in Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Ruth Baker

Erie, Pennsylvania, USA

Thanks to PresbyCan Daily Devotional