“We don’t know everything, and our prophecies are not complete. . . . Now all we can see of God is like a cloudy picture in a mirror. Later we will see him face to face. We don’t know everything, but then we will, just as God completely understands us.” 1 Corinthians 13:9, 12 (CEV)

In his pain and despair, Job asked a lot of legitimate questions: “Why let people go on living in misery? Why give light to those in grief” (Job 3:20 GNT).

This “why” question is human nature, and we all ask it. We have this misconception that if we understand the reason behind our pain, then it will make the pain easier.

Here’s the truth: You don’t need an explanation; you need strength. You don’t need an explanation; you need a Savior. You don’t need an explanation; you need comfort and support.

But we always want an explanation. We ask questions: Why did that person walk out of my life? Why did he make a promise to me and then break it? Why did he hurt me? Why did I lose my job? Why did she die? Why did I get sick?

Friends, I’ve been studying the “why” question for years, and here’s my educated answer: I don’t know. And I’m never going to know because I’m not God. And neither are you! We’re just never going to understand some things until we get to heaven. Then it’s all going to become clear.

Only God knows the answer to your “why.” And sometimes he doesn’t answer right off the bat. It’s okay to ask—but holding too tightly to needing an answer can prolong the pain.

Proverbs 25:2 says, “It is God’s privilege to conceal things” (NLT). God is a God of revelation. He reveals himself through nature, circumstances, and Scripture. The only reason you know anything about God is because he has chosen to reveal himself.

But the Bible says God doesn’t only reveal; God also conceals. And sometimes God intentionally hides his face from you. Why? So you’ll learn to trust him and to live by faith rather than by your feelings.

God doesn’t owe you an explanation for anything. God doesn’t have to check in with you before he does something. God doesn’t have to get your permission before he allows things to happen in life. God is God, and you’re not always going to understand why some things happen. 

The Bible says, “We don’t know everything, and our prophecies are not complete. . . . Now all we can see of God is like a cloudy picture in a mirror. Later we will see him face to face. We don’t know everything, but then we will, just as God completely understands us” (1 Corinthians 13:9, 12 CEV).

One day, everything will be made clear and will make sense. You’ll be able to say, “So that’s why God allowed that in my life!” Until then, God wants you to trust him.