Askng God Why?

 Ever wondered why in your life or with God?     Me too. 

Why do kids ask why, and parents tell them Because I said so? Is there really no reason? 

If not, then why make our kids do it? If yes, then why don’t we tell them? 

• Why do flamingos stand on one leg?

• Why do woodpeckers not get headaches?

• Why do cats purr?

• Why do geese fly in a V formation?

• Why do leaves change color?

• Why do camels have humps?

• Why do octopuses have three hearts?

• Why do sharks never stop swimming?

• Why do bees die after stinging?

• Why do owls turn their heads so far?

Earth & Space

• Why is the sky blue?

• Why is the ocean salty?

• Why are sunsets red?

• Why do we have leap years?

• Why do magnets attract metal?

• Why does popcorn pop?

• Why does a microwave heat food but not the plate (sometimes)?

Society & Laws

• Why do good laws still get broken?

• Why do we value freedom but also want security?

• Why do people obey laws even when they disagree with them?

• Why is something legal not always considered right?

Human Nature

• Why do we remember criticism longer than compliments?

• Why do people fear failure more than they desire success?

• Why is it easier to judge others than ourselves?

• Why do people hide their weaknesses?

• Why do we make the same mistakes more than once?

Success & Life

• Why do some people work hard and never become wealthy?

• Why do some people seem to succeed without trying?

• Why doesn’t money guarantee happiness?

• Why do people regret things they once desperately wanted?

• Why do people sacrifice long-term goals for short-term pleasure?

Relationships

• Why is trust easy to lose but hard to rebuild?

• Why do people hurt the people closest to them?

• Why is saying “I’m sorry” so difficult?

• Why do people become lonely even when surrounded by others?

The World

• Why do innocent people suffer?

• Why does injustice sometimes seem to win?

• Why isn’t life fair?

Personal Reflection

• Why do you believe what you believe?

• Why do you fear what you fear?

Thought Experiments

• Why do we value things more after we lose them?

• Why do we often want what we can’t have?

• Why is truth sometimes uncomfortable?

• Why are some questions more important than their answers?

• Why is the legal adult age 18, but the drinking age 21?

• Why can someone join the military before they can legally drink?

• Why do people disagree even when they have the same facts?

• Why do people fear change?

• Why do people procrastinate?

• Why do people compare themselves to others?

2. Paul and the “thorn in the flesh”

Paul doesn’t record the word “why,” but he clearly sought an explanation or removal.

“Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.”
— 2 Corinthians 12:7–9

Instead of removing the thorn, God answered:

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Paul received God’s purpose rather than the answer he may have expected.

3. Martha after Lazarus died

Martha questioned Jesus after her brother’s death.

“Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
— John 11:21

Although not phrased as “why,” it expresses the natural question of why Jesus had not intervened sooner. Jesus responded by revealing Himself as “the resurrection and the life.”

4. John the Baptist

While in prison, John questioned what God was doing.

“Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”
— Matthew 11:2–3

John wasn’t asking “why” directly, but he was wrestling with why events were unfolding differently than he expected. Jesus answered by pointing to the evidence of God’s work.

5. The disciples

The disciples often asked Jesus why things happened.

• “Why could we not cast it out?” (Matthew 17:19)

• “Why do you speak to them in parables?” (Matthew 13:10)

• “Lord, why can’t I follow you now?” (John 13:37)

These questions show that even Jesus’ closest followers didn’t always understand God’s ways.

1. Jesus on the cross

This is the most well-known example.

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
— Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34

Jesus was quoting Psalm 22. This expresses the depth of His suffering while also pointing to a psalm that ultimately ends in hope and God’s deliverance.

A common theme

Throughout the New Testament, faithful people ask questions when they don’t understand:

• Jesus asks, “Why have you forsaken me?”

• Paul asks for relief.

• Martha questions God’s timing.

• John the Baptist questions God’s plan.

• The disciples ask why.

1. Job

• Question: “Why is this happening to me?”

• After losing his children, wealth, and health, Job repeatedly asked why God would allow such suffering.

• Verses: Job 3; Job 7:20–21; Job 10:2; Job 13:24.

• God eventually answered Job—not by explaining every detail, but by revealing His wisdom and power (Job 38–42).

2. David

• David often asked, “Why, Lord?”

• Examples:

• “Why, Lord, do you stand far off?” (Psalm 10:1)

• “How long, Lord?” (Psalm 13:1–2)

• “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1)

3. Jeremiah

• Question: “Why does the way of the wicked prosper?”

• Verse: Jeremiah 12:1.

• Jeremiah struggled with seeing evil people succeed while God’s people suffered.

4. Habakkuk

• One of the clearest examples.

• Questions:

• “How long, Lord, must I call for help?”

• “Why do you make me look at injustice?”

• Verses: Habakkuk 1:2–3.

• God answered him with a conversation that fills the whole book.

5. Moses

• Asked why God had sent him if things were only getting worse for Israel.

• Verse: Exodus 5:22–23.

6. Gideon

• Question: “If the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us?”

• Verse: Judges 6:13.

7. Asaph

• The writer of Psalm 73 questioned why the wicked prospered while the righteous suffered.

• His perspective changed when he entered God’s presence.

8. The Prophet Elijah

• After his victory on Mount Carmel, Elijah questioned God’s plan and even asked to die.

• Verse: 1 Kings 19:4.

• God responded with gentle care rather than rebuke.

What we learn

A common pattern appears in Scripture:

• God’s people asked honest questions.

• They brought their doubts directly to God rather than turning away from Him.

• God often responded with His presence, promises, wisdom, or reassurance—even when He didn’t give the full explanation.

Asking God “why?” isn’t portrayed as a lack of faith by itself. In many cases, it’s part of a genuine relationship with Him. The key difference is whether the question comes from a heart seeking God or a heart rejecting Him.

Play the song " He Won’t " at the end. All of your why questions answered in this song. 

Discussion Closers

• Is every “why” question meant to have an answer?

• Can you trust someone even when you don’t understand them?

• Does not understanding something mean it’s wrong?

• Is it possible to have peace without having every answer?

• What’s the biggest “why” question you’ve ever asked?

• If God answered every one of your “why” questions today, would there still be more tomorrow?

One Tree - One Salvation - Zaccheus

Zacchaeus. Luke 19:1-10 - Zacchaeus the Tax Collector

1 Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. 

The chief tax collector was a huge job. However, it was a job the local people hated. The Roman government would hire someone to go and collect taxes

The chief tax collector may have or probably had responsibility over others doing this job as well. 

This position made money by taking advantage of local people. 

examples. If you owed $500 in taxes, the tax collector could take $750 or even a $1000. 

They made the difference of what they could get. 

3 He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short, he could not see over the crowd. 

What is one word to describe why Zaccheus wanted to see Jesus? Why would Zaccheus want to see this guy that was popular at the time for healings and being claimed as the son of God? Why? 

Guilt. Curious guilt, if you will. 

4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.

This is the main part of this lesson. Why? 

How long does it take to grow a 20 ft sycamore-fig tree? Anyone know? 15-20 years. 

Do you believe God does things on purpose and for a reason? 

Who planted this sycamore tree? Anyone know? 

God did. 

Who cared for and took care of that tree? Anyone know? 

God did. 

Why did God plant that tree and have it cared for? 

So that Zaccheus would have salvation through Jesus. 

If that tree wasn't there, would Zaccheus have been able to see Jesus that day? 

God is doing something in your life. God is doing a lot of things in your life today so that you will see Jesus. 

God is doing things on purpose in your life so that you will see the God who sent Jesus to die on a cross for you. And yes, you matter. You are enough. 

One Tree- One Salvation

5 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” 6 So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.

7 All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.”

8 But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”

9 Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

What is your salvation story? 

God has done something in your life many years ago, and it led to where you are today. 

Saul to Paul 

Lady at the well. 

Mary and Martha

Lazarus - 

That can lead really well into Ecclesiastes 3:1 — “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”

Romans 8:28 states that God works for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

Saulik downTime June 15, 2026

What would be worse? Called the wrong name or ignored. 

Israel’s Only Savior

43 

1. But now, this is what the Lord says—

 he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel:

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;

    I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

2 When you pass through the waters,   I will be with you;

and when you pass through the rivers,   they will not sweep over you.

When you walk through the fire,

    you will not be burned;    the flames will not set you ablaze.

3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;

I give Egypt for your ransom,  Cush[a] and Seba in your stead.

4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight,    and because I love you,

I will give people in exchange for you,    nations in exchange for your life.

5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you;

    I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west.

6 I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’  and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’

Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth—

7 everyone who is called by my name,

    whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”

8 Lead out those who have eyes but are blind,  who have ears but are deaf.

9 All the nations gather together    and the peoples assemble.

Which of their gods foretold this    and proclaimed to us the former things?

Let them bring in their witnesses to prove they were right,

    so that others may hear and say, “It is true.”

10 “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen,

so that you may know and believe me    and understand that I am he.

Before me no god was formed,    nor will there be one after me.

11 I, even I, am the Lord,    and apart from me there is no savior.

12 I have revealed and saved and proclaimed—

    I, and not some foreign god among you.

You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “that I am God.

13     Yes, and from ancient days I am he.

No one can deliver out of my hand.    When I act, who can reverse it?”

I always get asked what I want to be called. Or I have people that call me whatever the want. Think about it. I have a family, I own a company, I do ministry, and I am a part of a community. There are a lot of different roles I play and a lot of people I come into contact with. 

People get it wrong all the time. 

I usually just say I have been called worse if they ask. 

43 

1. But now, this is what the Lord says—

 he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel:

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;

    I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

God didn’t do this on accident. Here are the next few verses. 

2 When you pass through the waters,   I will be with you;

and when you pass through the rivers,   they will not sweep over you.

When you walk through the fire,

    you will not be burned;    the flames will not set you ablaze.

3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;

I give Egypt for your ransom,  Cush[a] and Seba in your stead.

4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight,    and because I love you,

I will give people in exchange for you,    nations in exchange for your life.

5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you;

    I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west.

Does this sound like a God who knows you? Does it sound like God cares about you? 

6 I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’  and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’

Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth—

7 everyone who is called by my name,

    whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”

8 Lead out those who have eyes but are blind,  who have ears but are deaf.

Does this sound like God is confused about the path they are on? 

God is in control if you will let him be. 

Should the blind worry? Should the deaf worry? God knows them and made them in his image. God is taking care of them and their path. 

9 All the nations gather together    and the peoples assemble.

Which of their gods foretold this    and proclaimed to us the former things?

Let them bring in their witnesses to prove they were right,

    so that others may hear and say, “It is true.”

10 “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen,

so that you may know and believe me    and understand that I am he.

Before me no god was formed,    nor will there be one after me.

11 I, even I, am the Lord,    and apart from me there is no savior.

12 I have revealed and saved and proclaimed—

    I, and not some foreign god among you.

You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “that I am God.

13     Yes, and from ancient days I am he.

No one can deliver out of my hand.    When I act, who can reverse it?”

God himself challenged them to prove that he is not the only God. God has shown them who he is and will show them who he is. 

Things we learned. 

1. Verse 1 - God has called you and you are his. 

2. Verse 5 - Do not be afraid I am with you. 

3. 6-8 - Leading you in your life no matter your circumstance. 

4. 9-13 God is God 

Think about this: 

Closer than I was yesterday, and if I don’t make it to tomorrow this is the closest I’ll ever get 

Do not do tomorrow what you can do today 

Are you doing everything in your life to be as close to God as possible? 

That is my prayer for you.