Why?

And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

Matthew 27:46

On the cross Jesus cried out in pain. Physical pain? Yes. But emotional and spiritual pain as well. When we suffer, it isn't just the physical pain that is difficult to bear. It's also the pain of feeling that God has abandoned us in those moments. It is painful to come to the reality that a good and loving God has allowed our suffering. And even when we don't put words to that feeling, we often cry out from the depths of our souls in anguish over it. 

Jesus, however, did put words to this pain when He cried out from the cross, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" In Jesus' case there is an irrefutable answer to that question. Why did God forsake Him? For us! It was for us! He was given over to suffer the shame and torture of the cross for you, so that you might be forgiven of your sins. He was rejected so that you might be accepted. He was abandoned that you might be adopted. He was forsaken that you might be brought near. His punishment brought you peace.

I am convinced that it is often the same with our suffering, that our suffering is often (at least in part) for the benefit of others. So, the next time you cry out to God asking why He has forsaken you, try looking around yourself to see who is about. Who knows who God might be blessing through your suffering today? Who knows what amazing change of heart and mind He might be working in someone else because they are seeing your faith in the face of struggle. Thankfully, Jesus shows us that it is still okay to cry out in the anguish of our souls in these moments, but like Jesus we can trust that God does have a reason...even if we don't know it yet.