Because I Said So

When I was growing up there was a phrase that I hated to hear my parents say, "Because I said so." Of course, when I became a parent, I completely understood that phrase. As we all do, I said it to my own children more than once. Sometimes in the world of parenting, it is the only answer that works.

In the last twenty four hours, my Heavenly Father, has whispered this phrase to me numerous times. In the last few years our family has been through many trials and we have met each one with an unquestioning faith in God. But yesterday, the news from the doctor sent me on a roller coaster of emotions. It wasn't that my faith was gone; it was just that I questioned this newest trial.

First, the reaction of the petulant child. No, I would not do it again! No, No, NO! Now it wasn't like I have an option, but when a child is in the midst of a tantrum, logic does not really apply. So as any good parent would, in the midst of my tantrum, my loving Father pulled me close and said, "Yes, you will because I said so."

Next, the whining child. But why, why, WHY? I don't want to, it is not fair. I am just getting stronger and feeling like my old self. Now the Father assured that while life is not always fair, He is always faithful. And so I would face this thing, "Because He said so."

So then I tried the bargaining child. But this is not a good time. Perhaps we should wait. Just get me through until after Christmas. But the Father reminded that His timing is perfect and so we would do this thing now, "Because He said so."

Last, the guilt invoking child. It is too hard on my family. We have already endured this test. You can't ask us to do this again. Now the Father draws me ever closer and reminds me, "My Grace is sufficient for you and your family. I will see you through, you will endure, because I said so."

Now the struggle is done. I give in to the will of my Father. I will obey, there will be no more questions. I will trust in His plan for my life, even though I don't understand. I will endure through His strength when I am weak. He is my Father, He knows best. So now I will do this thing, "because He said so."