Lately I’ve been wrestling with questions about what I believe is a gift from God. I’m asking how did this come about? And why?

Little words – how and why – but they open up big questions about God and how he works. Still really, how much can we know of the how and why of Almighty God?

How ….

How does God work in our lives? In mysterious ways, we’re told, his wonders to perform. God wants the best for us but sometimes our definition of best is different than his. And sometimes where we are led is through storms of problems, sickness and heartaches. But the trust-building comfort is that we are led; we are not alone.

So here’s a salute to mothers. (A day late. Sorry.) How God works with us can boil down to phrases you’ve possibly used (or variations thereof) in your very own homes! Phrases like Because I know best. Because I said so. Because I’m your mother!

Because God knows best.

He not only knit us together in our mothers’ wombs but even before the earth was created, he had a plan for each of us. (Ephesians 1:5)

Because God said so.

Romans 12:9-18 lists some of God’s rules for living. It’s long, so I’ll summarize: Really love others; don’t just pretend to. Hate what is wrong. Hold to what is good. Work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Be patient in trouble. Pray. Help God’s people in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy; weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. Don’t think you know it all. Never pay back evil with evil. Live so people see you as honorable. Live in peace with everyone.

Because God is our Heavenly Father.

Jesus taught us to pray to God as our Father – our Abba Father, as Jesus called him. And as our Abba, God cares for us and provides for us (Matthew 6:25-34). He hears and answers our prayers. (Matthew 7:7-11) He disciplines us. (Hebrews 12:3-11) He forgives our sins and rejoices when we repent. (Luke 15:11-12)

Why .…

Why does God do what He does? Because what he wants most is for us to be in a loving relationship with him and to glorify him through everything we do. And he really does mean everything – pastimes, entertainment, careers, marriages, friendships, thought life – everything. 1 Corinthians 10:31 reads, “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

He Is!

As the created, it’s natural for us to be curious about the how’s and why’s of our Creator. So while we are learning more about him now … we will never know it all. Not even in the first billion years of eternity. Because God Is God. He Is the Great I Am and there is none like him.

God uses little words to say ultimate big things. And so, Sisters, the slightly bigger word – trust – is the answer to our questioning: Trust him when we’re chin-deep in challenges and problems. Trust him when life hurts. Trust him when there doesn’t seem to be a way out. And yes, trust our loving Father to give us Very. Good. Things.

Mary Ann