My heart danced for joy as I anticipated the meeting. New to the Christian faith as a young mom in my early twenties, I believed I could make a difference in the ministry I joined. Skipping up the...
Oct 17, 2020 Why Questions
Why do I fear God will be unfaithful?
When I fear God will be unfaithful, I wonder if I fear what I know of people rather than what I truly know of God. In contemplating this week's question, I realize sometimes I mistake people's...
Jul 13, 2020 Why Questions
Wrestling an Unexpected Why
Typically, I discover why questions during my time alone with God. As I sit with Him, I realize I have thoughts, feelings, or behaviors which need attention. Sometimes, however, the questions come...
Mar 27, 2020 Why Questions
Why do I feel misunderstood?
At times, we may feel frustrated when the person we are speaking with misunderstands the intent of our words. One of the gifts I treasure most in my relationship with God is being understood. As we...
Mar 10, 2020 Why Questions
Why am I so serious all the time?
When we lived in Aberdeen, South Dakota, almost 20 years ago now, we were members of a United Methodist Church. Shannon taught 4th grade Sunday School with our good friend Cathy, and I taught 1st...
Feb 2, 2020 Why Questions
Why do I constantly put myself down?
Imagine God clothed in a flame of fire rising from the midst of a bush. Imagine staring into the blaze, realizing that the bush is burning, but the flames are not consuming it. Imagine hearing God...
Jan 27, 2020 Why Questions
Why is it so hard for me to wait on God?
Sometimes life is difficult. In the hardest seasons, I have allowed myself to sink deep into the dark, believing things will never change. I have learned, though, that God exposes a crack of light...
Jan 16, 2020 Why Questions
Why do I look only at the outward appearance of a situation and assume beliefs about God?
In the past, when I have studied Job, I have focused all my thoughts on Job’s suffering. I have struggled to understand why God would work in such a way, orchestrating the situation the way He does...
Jan 16, 2020 Why Questions
Why do I look only at the outward appearance of a person instead of getting to know them?
As I reflect on Job, I imagine Job’s friends seeing his appearance as they walk toward him. I see each of them forming a conclusion because of what they see. Job 2:11-13 describes the scene: “Now,...