For most of my life, when I would go through hard times, I would ask God,
“Why am I having to go through this?”
That all changed after being divorced for a few years.
I begin to ask this instead.
During a hard time, I felt sorry for myself and asked God, “Why?”
I don’t remember where I heard this or maybe I made it up but I remember hearing, “Don’t ask why, ask what. God, what are you trying to teach me in this moment?”
Whenever a tough situation blocked my path instead of asking, “Why is this in the way?” I would ask “What can I learn as I navigate this new path?”
I quit trying to figure out if there was some deep spiritual reasoning for everything God allowed. Sometimes it’s just because of the world we live in.
Living this way is so less stressful. Instead of trying to control everything by my strength, I give it to God and walk by faith.
No that doesn’t mean all my problems and stress magically disappeared. Yes, I still struggled to let go of things and trust God but that’s all a part of learning. It takes time and lots of practice.
Lastly, asking “what” instead of “why” helps change our mindset. “Why” makes us passive victims. “What” makes us active learners taking ownership of their life.
Have you tried asking God, “What are you trying to teach me through this trial?”
If yes, comment with what you learned?