BECAUSE I SAID SO...

Because I said so.

Arguably the four most dreaded words in the history of childhood.

It is the "go to" response for a million questions that start with the question, "Why?"

My dad was a master at it. And it was effective – I’m not gonna lie to you. But I hated it.

Why?

(Did you catch the irony there?)

When I was growing up, I was known as the "Why Girl." I wanted to know everything about everything. I was insatiably curious.

I never asked my why’s in a belligerent way – like "Why should I?" – I sincerely wanted to know things.

So when my dad would answer, "Because I said so," I always interpreted that as a shutting-down response. It made me be quiet, yes, but it also hurt. I wasn’t questioning his authority – I just wanted to know…

This tendency toward being the "Why Girl" also carried over into my walk with God. I’ve believed in Him since before I can remember. And I’ve questioned Him almost as long…

"Why, Lord…"

It was the beginning of a million questions to Him.

And I just dreaded the answer – "Because I said so."

It always sounded so arbitrary, so controlling, so sovereign – you know?!

But, this morning as I was writing this post, another thought came to my mind. I tried picturing an actual in-person dialogue with God. A face-to-face meeting. A Job-like encounter.

Here’s how it went –

"So, Lord, I have a question for you. It’s really the question behind all of my other questions. Why, Lord? Just why?"

There was a moment of silence – I waited for the inevitable answer.

"Sharon, do you not know?

Heaven and earth were made – because I said so.

The sun and the moon and the stars came into being – because I said so.

Suddenly, at a moment in time, there was light – because I said so.

Land and oceans were formed, animals were created – because I said so.

Humanity came into existence – because I said so.

A baby was born in a manger – because I said so.

A young man died on a cross – because I said so.

A miracle of victory, life over death, a resurrection occurred – because I said so.

And you were saved when you believed – because I said so.

Eternal life awaits you in My Presence – because I said so.

Any more questions?"

Now I was silent. I decided that there were no words to say, but echoing in my mind were the words of Job –

"I am nothing – how could I ever find the answers? I will cover my mouth with my hand. I have said too much already. I have nothing more to say. I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. Your ways are too wonderful for me."

And then, He said one last thing.

"Sharon, I love you and I will never leave you – because I said so."

You know, the more I think about it, those are some of the most beautiful words I have ever heard…

I can rest in the promise that to every "Why?" in life, there is a God in heaven who says, "Because I said so."

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"