We often ask: "When will help come?" "When will this pain cease?" "When will my faltering faith be restored?" When? was the question asked again and again by the Old Testament prophets who wondered if God had forsaken them.
God makes no promise to answer the when question, for the same reason God never answers the why question-He knows we could not understand and would not accept His answer. We would only argue instead of trusting patiently and quietly.
God has never-anywhere in the Bible-promised to answer these three questions: why? where? and when? Questions that start with these words are seldom answered.
But God hears and answers questions beginning with how? or what? These questions sincerely seek wisdom and guidance.
How, O Lord, can I handle this? How can I go on positively? How, O Lord, can I believe that You do know me and care about me? How can I turn my hurts into a halo? And, How will You help me to become a better person through my pain?
What? is another question God often answers. Questions that start with what-like questions that start with how-are humble questions that, instead of provoking argument, sincerely suggest a willingness to invite and follow divine guidance. God promises to give us guidance, often with a holy hint from heaven.
