Thursday, March 17, 2011

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 sovereignyou 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 madebecause 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!"

11 comments:

  1. This is a wonderful post Sharon. I could see myself as the little girl, and I am also shutting my mouth right now as I hear His words to me... beautifully said and right to my heart!

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  2. awesome words God gave you to share with us, Sharon. Because I said so takes on totally new and different meanings when you look at this side of it, focusing on God rather than ourselves as we so frequently do; I'm going to remember this indeed!!!!

    betty

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  3. Wonderful! I just love the way you tied it all in to very specific things that were literally spoken into being. I can hardly wait to use this sometime. I'm carrying it around in an invisible back pocket. Oh yes, I am!

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  4. Dear Sharon, This is a brilliant masterpiece with a brilliant message!!! Oh, I could relate to this one big time. I was the 'why girl' too. I can still remember my first job when I worked in accounts. My boss Ray, would always say those very irritating words to me. "Because I said so." He is to this day a very dear person in my life, and someone I really look up to. His opinion counts. Sadly though, he does not believe in Jesus. Could you pray for him? Now, back to "Because I said so." As I read down your post further I was so not expecting to read or picture God saying "because I said so." I really did have a giggle. I'm filled with joy again today for this blessing of being child-like and knowing I have a Father in heaven always looking out for me in every way. I have really enjoyed what you written and being greatly blessed!!! Thank you Sharon, I will for sure treasure those words in my heart in a new light, with positivity, and knowing God's endless love for me, for you, for all His children. Sharon, Can I please post this blog over at my blogspot? Hope you have had a wonderful day! May God bless you today and always. With love and care from Kerrie. xOx

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  5. Sharon, I was a "why" child too experiencing the same hurts! Now I am silenced after reading this! I just finished the book of Job and I totally get your point.

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  6. I am not at all surprised you were labeled the Why girl - good name!

    Happy St. Pat's Day! sandie♥

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  7. Hi Sharon,

    I remember "because I said so" from my childhood" think I may have used it to my daughters too. Said in the context of do it because I said so and be quiet it is not a very nice phrase. But said by Our Heavenly Lord, in the way you have put over it is quite a different story. The story of love and salvation, of promise, of hope, of eternity and security - thank you Sharon and thank you Jesus

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  8. Right to my heart, too. Thanks Sharon.
    I loved this.
    Blessings,
    Sandy

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  9. Sonja - Glad you liked this. And I think the only time I'm willing to stop talking is when the Word shuts my mouth!!

    Betty - So glad that this spoke to you. God really gave me this "reversal" on the meaning of those words. (He likes to do that you know!) You're right, when we hear those words from God, it's so very reassuring. Everything happens just the way it's supposed to - because He said so.

    Debbie - I'm so happy to have made it to the back pocket!! Oh yes, I am! Do you remember The Chronicles of Narnia - how Aslan, the Lion, literally sang creation into being? I thought of that when I wrote this...

    Kerrie - Yes, I'll pray for Ray. I also know a very dear person who isn't a believer. We'll pray for these two together. Yes! I'd be honored if you posted this on your blog. Thank you for considering that, and for so kindly asking me. Hoping you're doing well.

    Mary - Yes, I love the book of Job. I love that he dared to question God (that appeals to our "Why Girl", doesn't it?!) - and then, he had the wisdom to be silent when God started to speak!

    Sandie - OK, friend - if you're not surprised by this little tidbit, then you're getting to know me too well!! HA! The saving grace is that my curiosity has now bubbled over into my pursuit of God and His Word - so that's a good thing! (I totally forgot to wear green yesterday - only got pinched by my husband!)

    Nita - I vowed I wouldn't use this phrase with my kids, because I hated it so much when my dad said it. But, you know, kids just wear you down sometimes, and it just slips out!! But, filtered through the love and promises of God - it's a very reassuring phrase!

    Sandy - So glad this "hit the spot." It is truly a wonderful thing to have a God that we can rely on - every single word He says - including the ones that have yet to be fulfilled.

    GOD BLESS, everyone!

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  10. Hi Sharon -

    Thank you for this piece. I enjoyed reading it.
    I too remember hearing from my parents, "Because I said so."

    More from Job -

    Job 38:4 - KJV
    Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.

    And Psalm 135:6
    Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.

    GOD sure told us, didn't He Sharon?

    And He utters all of His words with love, but with sure messages that He is GOD, and we'd better recognize...or else.

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  11. Sandra - God did indeed tell us! Why do I ever question His ways or His timing? Loved your last line:

    "And He utters all of His words with love, but with sure messages that He is GOD, and we'd better recognize...or else."

    We serve a fearsome God - He loves us, yes - but He is always in sovereign control. (I'm reassured by that, aren't you?)

    GOD BLESS!

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"So [I] have been greatly encouraged in the midst of [my] troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives [me] new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How [I] thank God for you!" (1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!

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