Ever stood in the wreckage of your plans wondering “why me?”
I’ve been there. For nine years, I resisted faith while my wife left Bible verses on sticky notes everywhere—even on the remote control during Monday Night Football. That’s commitment!
But I’ve learned something powerful: “Why” questions rarely have satisfying answers, but “What” questions open doors to purpose and action.
When our church collapsed amid leadership scandals, it seemed like the end. Instead, that painful experience became the birthplace of Standing Stone Ministry, where we now support and renew ministry leaders facing their own challenges.
I’ve discovered that transforming our questions changes everything:
- Instead of “Why is this happening?” try “What might God be doing through this?”
- Instead of “Why me?” ask “What can I learn from this experience?”
- Instead of “Why now?” consider “What purpose might emerge from this pain?”
On our Colorado ranch, I’ve witnessed countless leaders shift from questioning to action. Like the pastor who found Nike sunglasses with “Just Do It” printed on the side during a hike—exactly when he needed that message for his marriage.
Life won’t always tell you why, but it always offers a what.
What difficult “why” are you facing today? Try asking “what” instead. The answer might surprise you.
Sometimes your greatest purpose is hiding on the other side of your deepest pain.