Shift from “Why?” to “What?”

*This devo goes along with our sermon series Faith - A Journey through Doubt, which can be watched here

Scripture:

“Even though Jesus was God’s Son, He learned obedience from the things He suffered.” — Hebrews 5:8 (NLT)

Reflection:

“Why is this happening to me?” That question rises in all of us during suffering. But if we stay there—if we stay in the why—we risk spiraling into bitterness or isolation.

Pastor Cory encourages us to shift the question. Move from “Why, God?” to “What are You doing in me?” What might God be developing? What might He be refining or revealing?

Even Jesus learned something in His suffering—obedience. Not because He had been disobedient, but because full surrender is forged in fire. And if suffering shaped the Savior, it will shape us too.

Paul learned this. He stopped asking why God allowed the thorn in his flesh, and began seeking what God wanted to teach him through it. That thorn, painful as it was, was part of Paul’s sanctification.

You may not understand the “why,” but you can trust there’s a “what.” Suffering often teaches us the things success never could.

Prayer:

Lord, instead of asking “Why me?”, help me ask, “What do You want to do in me?” Refine me. Teach me. Help me trust that nothing in my life is wasted in Your hands. Amen.