Because I Said So!

I remember when I was a kid, one of my parents would tell me to do something and I just had to ask "Why?" Sometimes they would gladly answer my question and other times I would be told "Because I said so!" Other times one of them might say "No" to a request that I had made. Of course, I would again have to ask "Why?" And again, I would hear "Because I said so!"

Oh how I hated that answer! In my young mind "Because I said so!" was not a good reason or answer-I deserved and explanation! It just wasn't fair to withold information. I vowed that when I grew up, I would NEVER say those words to my kids.

When I became a mother myself and before I even knew it, those words began to slip out of my mouth. My own children continued to try and test my patience over and over. I found myself thinking things like:

"Don't they understand that I love them and always have their best interest at heart? Why don't my children trust that "mom knows best?" Do I have to explain every single decision, even when it is beyond their understanding or if they just don't want to accept it?"

With the tables turned, I wanted the kids to understand that my experience, love, larger view of the situation, and wisdom should be enough for them to trust "Because I said so" as a good answer.

Oh how this concept applies to our relationship with our spiritual father! So many times God tells us to do things we don't understand or want to do. He asks us to love those that hate us or endure difficult circumstances in his name. As humans, our tendency is to cry out "Why God! Why?"

He lovingly answers "Because I said so." Though we do not understand or want to hear that answer, this is what He chooses to reveal for our own good. What he is really saying to us is "Trust in me."

Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us:

"Trust the Lord with all your heart, and don't depend on your own understanding. Remember the Lord in all you do, and he will give you success."

When we understand the character of God; that he is loving, compassionate, all-knowing, merciful; we then find "Because I said so" to be great answer!

Jesus said it best in Matthew 6:8:

"Your father knows what you need before you ask him"

Even more than an earthly parent, God knows what is best for us (even if we don't know it ourselves!). His perfect will and plans for our lives include all that is good, even when we do not see the logic or reasoning. Next time he calls you do something, ponder on the following passage from Jeremiah 12:11:

"For I know the plans I have for you,"declares the Lord,"plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

With this knowledge, "Because I said so" becomes a wonderful and welcome answer, doesn't it?