Keeping Love Alive as Memories FadeSample

Why?

It had been a surprising new beginning for Mary Ellen. After surviving the heartbreak of divorce in her mid-40's, she had resigned herself to the fact that she would live the rest of her life as a single woman. In her wildest dreams, she never expected to find love again. But in the providence of God, she met Dave at a birthday dinner for a mutual friend. They began dating, and in just a few short months, Mary Ellen knew that she had been given the wonderful gift of a second chance at love.

She and Dave had been happily married for only three years when Dave was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Bitterly disappointed, Mary Ellen began to slowly let go of her dreams about how she and Dave would spend their retirement years. She didn't hesitate to pour out her anger and confusion to God. "Why, Lord?" she stormed. "Why would you bring Dave into my life and then let this awful disease spoil our future? Why would You do this to me? I don't understand!"

Do you share Mary Ellen's confusion and anger? Is "Why, Lord?" your most impassioned prayer?

No matter how heartfelt or sincere, your why questions may remain unanswered on this side of heaven. This presents a challenge: Can you believe that God is worthy of your trust even when the why eludes you?  Whenever we do not understand God's purposes or methods, we are challenged to deepen our confidence in the character and heart of God:

"God is too wise to be mistaken

God is too good to be unkind

So when you don't understand

When don't see His plan

When you can't trace His hand

Trust His Heart."

 --from Trust His Heart, sung by Babbie Mason (Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.)