Where is God When Life is Tough?

Everyone has asked that question at some point in their lives.

I remember four specific times when I, personally, asked it.

The first time was when a dear lady from my home church passed away.

Every Sunday me and my two best friends would go around the sanctuary and greet the elderly men and women in our church. I got particularly close to a lady by the name of Sylvia. Mrs. Sylvia was the gentlest lady you would ever meet. She talked to me as if I was full of wonderful potential, and she made me feel needed and loved.

My family was in Tennessee for brief language training, in preparation for language school in France, when we heard that she had passed away.

Where was God when my friend died before I could even say goodbye?

The second time I remember asking that question was when I sat on the sidewalk outside of my school, crying and having just said goodbye to many of my closest friends in France because Covid had taken an unexpected turn. I knew I wouldn’t see them again…we had scheduled to leave France that summer. And we did.

Where was God when I found out that the next day, I would have to say a forever goodbye to almost all my friends in France, knowing that many of them did not believe in Him?

The third time I remember asking that question was when I waved goodbye to some of my closest missionary friends in France. ‘Don’t cry because if you do I will too’, the one said. ‘Don’t forget me,’ the other said.

Where was God when our worlds split in different directions with no guarantee of reconnecting in the future?

The fourth time I remember asking that question was shortly after we moved to Togo.

I was furious at the men who stared at me, and aggravated with the fact that I could never escape the dress-code of skirts, skirts, and more skirts. I was weary of always saying hello and tired of trying to learn a culture I didn’t like, and to top it all off I was lonely beyond words.

Where was God when I had to completely change my lifestyle, accept a new culture, and had no friends where I lived?

Where was God then?

Processing the Question

I want you to think about it. Close your eyes; remember that moment in your life when nothing made sense and ask yourself, ‘where was God?’ Because if you’re like me, you know the answer…you just don’t like it.

If we’re honest with ourselves, the question isn’t ‘where is God when life is tough’.

The real question is…where is our faith when life is tough?

Examples in the Bible

Abraham was told to kill his own son as an offering to the Lord. This daddy had to find a way to tell his little boy that he was going to murder him, all the while loving him and hoping beyond hope that his son would know the reason for his motives. Do you think he ever asked where God was?

I do.

Ruth lost her husband and went from being a happy newly wed to the caretaker of her mother in-law. She left her culture, family, friends, and everything ‘normal’ to glean in the fields for long hours just to provide for herself and her mother in-law. Talk about change of plans. Do you think she ever asked where God was?

I do.

Moses went from being a prince in an Egyptian palace to wandering in the desert for the rest of his life as the leader of a whining, complaining, poor, and helpless people. No matter where Moses was, he was a foreigner. Do you think he ever asked where God was?

I do.

But here’s the thing…

Abraham still led his son up the mountain, tied him to the altar, and raised his knife.

Ruth joyfully brought wheat back to her mother in-law, sweat dripping down her face.

Moses faced each day with courage, determined to lead his people where God wanted.

And what happened in return?

Abraham was relieved of his burden and known by God as faithful.

Ruth was blessed with husband and son; a place in the lineage of Christ.

Moses lived a legacy, the greatest leader of the children of Israel.

In the end…these people, all of them real human beings who lived and walked on this earth, were seen, and heard, and smiled upon by God.

Because yes, in my heart I believe God smiles.

The Truth about Faith and Suffering

1 Peter 4:12-13 says this: ‘Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.’

It’s easy to confuse this verse to mean that we are supposed to be ‘suffering’ so that we will ‘earn’ life with Him. But that’s not what it’s saying. This verse is telling us that the suffering on this earth is nothing compared to the joy we will have in Heaven.

So, lift your chins, smile, and press on. Because God is not through with you yet.

When I am struggling, all I want is to know that someone out there cares about me. I often forget about the One who always has.

If we think about it honestly, the answer to the question is simple: God is right where He’s always been. Holding our hands and guiding us gently, watching us in love even when we don’t feel His presence.

Just because we don’t see Him…doesn’t mean He’s not there.

That’s exactly what faith is. (‘Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.’-Hebrews 11:1)

So, I’m challenging myself, and you with me, to have a little bit of faith. Because sometimes, the things we’re searching for…are right in front of us.

Rue

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