Why, God, Why? What to Do When Life Doesn’t Make Sense

Karen Jensen Salisbury can certainly empathize with those who are asking the burning question in these crazy and chaotic times, “Why, God, why?” Years ago, tragedy struck her family, and she wondered the very same thing.

On New Year’s Day in 1997, her husband, Brent, passed away suddenly at the young age of 37. With two young boys, 12 and 13, to raise alone, she began to question the way God does things, especially in her own life.

Over time, the Lord spoke to Jensen Salisbury’s heart, and she began to realize God’s purpose for everything He does. She eventually wrote about it, and her words have touched the lives of many. The message became a kingdom purpose for her.

And now, Jensen Salisbury says people must realize God’s purpose in the current events of today, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the tragic death of George Floyd, which has caused racial tension to rise to another level in America.

“You know how we’ve heard people say—and they usually say it in a holy voice—’You should never question God,'” Jensen Salisbury tells Dr. Steve Greene on a recent episode of Greenelines on the Charisma Podcast Network. “I think that’s a bunch of hooey, and for several reasons.

“First of all, you are already asking the questions in your heart, and God knows it,” she says. “You can’t scare Him. You can’t ask questions He’s never heard before. He’s not going to fall off the throne. And if you don’t ask them, the problem is those questions are in your heart. They stand between you and God. So, I think He can take it. You might as well be honest with Him.”

Jensen Salisbury adds, “Jesus said, ‘The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy. I have come that you might have life and life more abundant.’ So, you can’t get confused if there is stealing, killing and destroying going on. That was the case of my husband, for sure. It was the thief, the devil. …

“We’re at a time right now where there are a lot of questions. There are so many things going on right now,” Jensen Salisbury says. “But what did you learn through your grief that will help you deal with the kind of unrest that we’re having right now? Life doesn’t make sense sometimes, but don’t let those hurts and events define you. Be defined by who God says you are.”

For more on why you can ask God the tough questions, listen to this entire podcast.