When ‘Why, God?’ Turns Into Worship

This blog derived from a sermon by David Kent.

Let’s turn to Habakkuk chapter 2. Habakkuk is often called the questioning prophet. His book is short—just three chapters—but it’s filled with deep wrestling. He asked God why His people were struggling, why injustice seemed to win, and why God wasn’t answering.

Have you ever asked God a question and heard nothing back? Be honest—most of us have. You pray, you wait, and heaven seems silent. That’s exactly where Habakkuk was.

The Lord had warned that judgment was coming upon Israel because of disobedience. People didn’t want to hear that. We love to talk about God’s grace and goodness—and yes, He is a good God—but He’s also a righteous Judge. Habakkuk dared to ask God hard questions, but he also dared to wait for the answers.

David Kent, Author, with his wife, Susan.

He said, “I will stand upon my watch and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what He will say unto me.” (Hab. 2:1)

That’s bold faith—waiting on God even when you don’t understand Him. And the Lord answered:

“Write the vision, and make it plain upon tablets, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time… Though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come.” (Hab. 2:2–3)

Sometimes God’s answers come in His time, not ours. His promises have an appointed season.

And then comes that life-changing line:

“The just shall live by faith.”

That one verse would later spark the Reformation—but it started with one man who decided to trust God through confusion.

Making Faith Personal

If you’re going to live for God, faith has to become personal. It can’t just be your grandparents’ faith or your pastor’s faith. It has to be yours.

I’m a grandfather now—four beautiful grandchildren, each one unique and talented. When they were little, I spent a lot of time answering questions.

“Papa, can I have a drink?”
“Papa, why can’t we go there?”
“Papa, can I have your car keys?”

And, of course, the famous one: “Why?”

Children never stop asking questions—and neither do we. As adults, our questions just get harder.

When Life Doesn’t Make Sense

During the early days of COVID, I pastored a church in Minneapolis. We lost three precious saints to the virus. Later, I contracted it myself. For sixteen days I lay in a hospital bed, struggling to breathe, crying out, “Why, God? I’ve served You faithfully—why this?”

He didn’t answer the way I expected. But He did deliver me.

A year later, while taking care of business for the church, I slipped on the ice and broke my neck. My spinal cord was partially severed, leaving me a quadriplegic. Again, I cried, “Why, Lord? Why this?”

Sixty days in a hospital, unable to lift my hands—but still I played worship songs and whispered prayers. Even when I couldn’t raise my arms, I raised my heart.

And I discovered something profound:
Faith that survives why is the faith that truly lives.

Even If… Yet I Will Rejoice

Habakkuk eventually reached that same conclusion. In chapter 3, he declared:

“Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines… yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength.” (Hab. 3:17–19)

That’s faith refined in fire. That’s the moment when why turns into worship.

Job reached it too. When everything he had was gone—his wealth, his family, his health—he still said, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.”

I’ve seen that kind of faith in others, too. Years ago, a young woman in our church couldn’t have children. We prayed, and I told her, “This time next year, you’ll have a baby.” She did. Today, that little girl is a teenager—a living testimony to God’s timing.

Trusting God in the Waiting

Maybe you’re in a “why” season. Maybe you’re battling sickness, grief, or disappointment. Like Habakkuk, you don’t understand what God is doing.

Hold on.
Write your vision.
Wait for it—it will come.

Even if the fig tree doesn’t blossom… even if the healing doesn’t come today… even if the questions don’t have answers—yet I will rejoice in the Lord.

God is not finished. Your story isn’t over.

A Final Word

There’s coming a day when every unanswered question will make sense. Every pain will be healed. Every “why” will become a “hallelujah.”

Until then, let’s keep worshiping through the waiting.
Let’s keep believing when we don’t see.
And let’s keep living by faith—our own, personal, unshakable faith.

“The just shall live by faith.”

CALL TO ACTION

✨ 1. Reflect & Respond

Take a moment today to bring your own “why” before the Lord — and then choose to praise Him anyway. Write down your vision and trust His perfect timing.

🙏 2. Share Your Story

Has God met you in a season of waiting? Share your testimony with someone this week. Your story may be the encouragement they need to keep believing.

💬 3. Join the Conversation

We’d love to hear from you! How has God strengthened your faith through unanswered prayers? Send us your thoughts or stories — let’s grow together.

💗 4. Reignite Your Faith

Don’t let discouragement silence your praise. Lift your heart, raise your hands (even if only in spirit), and rejoice in the God of your salvation today.

🌿 5. Stay Connected

Keep walking by faith with us. Subscribe to the Sages Newsletter, follow our updates, and be part of a community that celebrates living Alive + Thriving at every stage of life.