Whenever I am presented with the reminder that God is all-powerful, with unlimited resources to accomplish anything He feels like accomplishing, I always wonder, “Well, then, why doesn’t He…?”

“Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us —  to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬-‭21‬, ‭CSB‬‬)

This verse is one of those that reminds me of God’s staggering power. He can do more and greater things than I could ever dream up. No matter how far-fetched, wild, or impossible my idea, God can do so much more. Easily.

So then why is there such a thing as childhood leukemia? Why did he create mosquitoes? Why do pneumonia, diarrhea, and malaria exist? Why aren’t the people I love healed and saved from an early death? Or any death at all?

We all struggle with this question. Pain, death, and grief touch all our lives, prompting us to ask “why?” from a God who claims to love us. Ever since Adam and Eve first took a bite of the forbidden fruit, rejecting God’s plan, we have been suffering and asking why.

Even Jesus wrestled with this question during His time on earth. In His last hours, Jesus agonized over the suffering He was scheduled to endure. He begged God to change the plan, to find another way, to take the pain from Him. But God didn’t do it. Even though He could have swept Jesus safely back up to heaven in an instant, God stuck with His plan because it was the right one, the only one that would bring victory over death for me and for you for eternity.

I’m so grateful He did.

God is not only powerful, He is also wise. And loving. And holy. Although He can do anything I am able to imagine, and more, He also sees all the ramifications of His actions in our lives. He can see how His answer to my prayer may impact my neighbor or future generations. So, He waits, or says no outright. It may not seem good or right or fair or loving to me today, the way it seemed awful to Jesus in the days and hours before His crucifixion. But it is always best when God sticks with His plan, not mine.

Dear God, You are sovereign. You know best. I trust you. Thank you for your wisdom to always do the perfect and loving thing despite my complaints and confusion. To you be the glory for all generations forever and ever.