It’s not uncommon for me to ask the Lord this simple question, “why?” Why did this happen? Why did you ask me to do something? Why can’t it be my way? 

The beautiful thing, is that His word has the answer to every question, has the comfort for every trial, has the solution for every problem that we face; though, not always in the way we expect. It’s true that at times we face trials that make no sense in the moment, but ultimately, He has a greater plan in mind. So why do we face trials? What good can come of it? We see marvelously put in the book of James.

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” (‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Why? To bring you to a place where you are perfect and complete, needing nothing! But there is a key word in this passage, “opportunity,” it means we have a choice to let our circumstances grow us, or destroy us. It comes down to “where do we put our trust?” The fact is, when we put our trust in the things of this world, there is no guarantee, but when we put our trust in the Lord, we know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, we know that there is a chance for us to be transformed through it, to be made new, and to take this time to strengthen ourselves and others. 

So I urge you today, to seek the Lord and make that choice to trust Him, when facing financial troubles you will know that He feeds you with His own hand, when you are in pain you will know His touch brings healing to your life, when you feel lost and alone, His voice will guide you through the wilderness.

And so I declare unto you today, the whys in your life are simply one choice away from victory! Be blessed, and hear His voice.

Justin Gardner pastors at River of Life Fellowship, 702 Church St., Sandpoint. The church can be reached at 208-255-7111.