Does God Care?

As the MRI machine hummed, I thought, “God, if you really care, why is this happening to me now?”

We usually ask three questions when facing a crisis. Crises are never well-timed, so we ask, “Why now?” They are also almost never deserved, so we ask, “Why me?” It all seems so unwanted, ill-timed, and unfair. The third question, arising often from fear, can be the most difficult. We need God’s help now. “Lord, don’t you care?”

The disciples must have asked all three questions that day in the storm. A little longer and they would have made it to shore. Why now? Dozens of boats had crossed the lake that day. Why them? But their words revealed what was really on their minds, “Teacher, don’t you care?”

They felt that if Jesus really cared, he would have intervened; but he was asleep. Yet, on that day, he did eventually intervene. In one of the most dramatic displays of his power over creation, he spoke a word and all the storm stilled. And then he asked, “Do you still have no faith?” (See Mark 4:39-40.)

It was one of their first lessons in faith, but many more would follow. They would learn to trust him in every circumstance of life whether they could see a miracle or not.

Even if we often cannot know “why me?” or “why now?”, our job is to trust him. That’s what faith means. Jesus does care. The one who commands the wind and the waves is still in charge.

I don’t understand why this has happened to me now. To be honest, Lord, it puzzles and troubles me. And I’m afraid, too. I do trust you, but it’s hard when I don’t know what you’re doing or how things will turn out. Be close to me, Lord. I need you. Amen.

Go Deeper — Can you recall a time when God showed you he really cared? If not, ask him to help you see that he truly does.

Read Further — If you are suffering and wonder Does God Really Care? this article may be of help. One of our new articles, Finding Healing in the Face of Overwhelming Grief, might also encourage you. As well, our online mentors are happy to discuss it further with you if you want one to communicate with you.