Everything happens for a reason.
Sound familiar? It is a common expression that we tend to use to explain the unexplainable. When we are faced with an event or consequence of an event that seems to be contrary to our intention or desire, we give up on trying to understand the “why.”
Sometimes it seems to come down to the choices we make.
The expression “everything happens for a reason” is a philosophical or spiritual belief that suggests that every event or circumstance in life has a purpose or a meaningful cause behind it, even if it may not be immediately apparent. It implies that there is a larger, overarching plan or design to the events that unfold in our lives.
Proponents of this belief argue that even in difficult or challenging situations, there is a hidden purpose or lesson to be learned. They view life’s events as part of a greater scheme, where everything is interconnected and serves a higher purpose or contributes to personal growth, spiritual development, or the greater good.
In short – God orchestrates the events that define our lives.
Then, along comes logic.
Logic would suggest that the idea that God would oversee so many events for so many people on earth is beyond belief.
As my wife and I worked toward a goal of relocating to a warmer climate, we experienced a setback that delayed our plans. My serious injury meant that many of the activities that we had planned for our move had to be postponed until I recovered.
As we reflected on the housing market, interest rates, weather patterns, and the political climate, we realize that the delay we are facing, may in fact be for the best.
Everything happens for a reason – right?
My first impulse is to think that it would be the height of arrogance to believe that God would make the effort to arrange events for my benefit. Of all the millions of people living on this planet at this time, why would He, who gave free will, to begin with, why would He devote the effort to me.
Then, my logical mind suggested that there were just too many people on this planet for God to watch over on a cases by case basis.
The problem with my logic versus faith conflict is that I was falling into a typical human trap. I was thinking of my situation, and God’s abilities, in human terms.
Somehow, we fail to realize that, the same God that we believe created the entire universe, and the billions upon billions of stars, planets and other elements of that universe is obviously capable of watching each individual person in a handful of human beings on a single planet.
Perhaps everything does happen for a reason, and perhaps we can have faith that things will work out for the best, if we practice one simple act.
Trust in God.