When Things Don't Make Sense

Have you ever experienced praying and getting the exact opposite of what you've asked for?

October is a difficult month because my younger brother's birthday falls sometime this month. It's not easy to be reminded of his absence.

I vividly remember the first, only and last time he requested me to pray for him. He had been in the hospital for five days after he was hit by a private jeepney while crossing a dimly lit road. Several of his ribs were broken and he was in great pain.

For years, my mom and I, kept persuading him to go to church. He refused, thinking he was never good enough to be in church. That day he asked for prayer, I was so overcome with joy. Finally, he was willing to come into a relationship with Jesus. In spite of his great pain, I sensed that he had peace. Later that day, I left him to get some rest at home. Little did I know that it was going to be the last time I would ever see him alive. He left us all that night.

We prayed for his healing; instead, God chose death.

Many things happen that we cannot explain. Maybe, we will have to wait to get to heaven to get answers. Still, let us trust in the Lord's sovereignty. He makes no mistakes. He is God yesterday, today and forever. He holds our life as well as eternity in His hands. When things don't make sense, choose to believe what His Word says. It says that He is good, that His love endures forever, that His faithfulness continues to all generations.

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever"

~ Ps. 107:1 NLT

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Father, You know what is best for us. We don't always understand Your will, but we will trust Your heart. Help us to accept Your answers to our prayers, even if they're not what we want or expect. Take control. You are my Lord, You are my King. My life is Yours. Amen.