Words to Grow On

Archive Devotions

June 14, 2004

“Why, Mommy, Why?”

By:

Marie Larrinaga

“ Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.”
Proverbs 3:5 (NASB)

After devotions, breakfast and getting the kids off to school, I was on my way to the Corps (church). But when arrived, I knew all was not well! The very person whom I prayed not to see was sitting in my office. Deep down I knew that what she had to say was not good.

The walk to my office was a short one, but that morning it seemed long and dreadful. “She passed away early this morning; she’s gone after suffering so long with the AIDS virus! What will happen to her girls now? Who will care for them?” These were the questions she greeted me with.

I could sense her pain because her sister had entrusted the care of her daughters to her. When the girls arrived at the Corps that afternoon the older sister realized something was wrong. She remarked, “Mommy is O.K., isn’t she? Mommy promised she would never leave us! What will we do without her?”

As time went on, they learned to rest and trust in the Lord’s care and protection, even though they occasionally ponder the “why Mommy” question.

“Perhaps the reason that God doesn’t always give us the answer to the ‘whys’ of our existence is that He knows we haven’t got the capacity to understand the answer. In learning to depend on God, we must accept that we may not know all the answers.” (Max Lucado)

Prayer

No, Lord, I do not know all the answers to my ‘whys!’
Help me to remember what You do and that I need
to trust You for the responses.

Amen.

"This devotional was written as 'heart preparation' for the women attending a 'Journey in Grace' Women's Conference in 1998."