Soul Scientist

Do you remember the “why” years? Those formative early childhood years of when children ask “why?” about anything and everything. And then after they’ve gone through their list of “why’s”, they start back at the beginning of the list asking, “but, why?”, all over again.

Not even mouths full of cookies, ice cream, or watermelon could slow down our sons and their “why” questions in the long days, short nights of their “why” years. Yet, now as grandparents, we enjoy seeing and hearing our beautiful grandbabies doing the same while covered in a sticky goodness of cookies, ice cream, and watermelon. (Yes, I do have pictures of these grandbabies and delight in showing them to anyone and everyone who will stop to look and admire them with me!)

But before I get too puffed up as a very proud grandmama (and mama!), let’s get back to the topic of asking “why”…

“Why?” is a very important and appropriate question to ask in most situations in the world of science. Science is often focused on learning the why of something so that we can better try and know the what, when, where, with whom, and how of a process, system, or association. Trying to understand even one process, system, or association often gives a lot of light to results which can be expected, avoided, or forced. This kind of deeper understanding is vital to the world around us and all of us living here in it.

Logic tells us that understanding something can give us some measure of control of it. And whether we’re a scientist or not, don’t we all seek some measure of control of our lives? We think our control of our lives will better our lives. At least for me, my own arrogance daily tries to deceive me into believing that my way is always good and right and best.

Yet I’m learning in living with cancer, the better, more effective, and helpful question for me to ask God is “how?”, instead of “why?.” Because when I come to God with my “how” questions, He always has an answer – “trust Me.” And “trust Me” is always the best answer for all other questions, including “how can I make it through this day?” or “how can I live with this diagnosis, disease, or death?”. “Trust Me” is also the best answer for those “how” questions that keep me awake in the middle of the night and insidiously linger in my thoughts during the day.  

Yet, when I choose to replace “why” with “how”, both my mind and heart are changed because fear is conquered and faith is cultivated.

Because, asking “how?” realigns me to walk with my Good God in this day’s challenges of cancer. He has made this day for me to rejoice and be glad in it (see Psalm 118:24). Likewise, asking “how?” renews my faith in my Good God with this day for Him to provide all that’s truly needed for thriving in cancer (see Psalm 23:1)

I’m also learning that asking “why” (instead of “how”) accomplishes nothing for me except more frustration, less hope, and a stagnant obedience. For when I choose to ask God, “how?,” He gives me faith to accept His answer of “trust Me” for the question of “what’s next?”. And I’ve found His answer of “trust Me” will always be enough for every day, even and especially when I don’t know what is (or could be) coming. A former Bible teacher of mine captured this idea with “God will provide the grace needed, when it’s needed, not before or after.” And many others in Scripture attested to that truth also…

In sharp contrast, I’m learning that asking “why” keeps me in that endless cycle of one question after another about anything and everything. For when I finish one loop of those “why” questions I’m back at it again, like a mouse on a wheel. Worse yet, that “why” question loop easily evolves into a “what-if [this or this or…] happens?” question cycle thereby multiplying stress and fear and draining off strength and faith. Because unfortunately, both “why” and “what-if” will easily drown out “trust Me” if I’m not diligent to take every thought captive as unto Christ (see 2 Corinthians 10:5).

The bottom line is this – when I’m asking the “why” question of God about the hard things, I’m looking for a modicum of control of my life.

Yet when I’m asking the “how” question of God in the hard things, I’m longing for the mercies of God in His control of my life.

And my Good God promises that such longings will be met in full by Him every time of every day (see Psalm 37:4). Likewise, His mercies are made new every morning in sharp contrast to my lack of strength for every morning (and every minute of every day, too) (see Lamentations 3:22-23 and 2 Corinthians 4:7).

Only in the strength of my Jesus will I be able to endure this scan and surgery or that test result and treatment. Only His strength will empower me to keep my mouth shut against complaining to others and my heart open to believing in God (see Psalm 142:2). And as I trust my Good God, He energizes faith and erodes fear in a joy that brings strength (see Nehemiah 8:10).

A strength that renews me inside and out.

A strength that reminds me I’m never alone.

A strength that remembers God always keeps His promises.

He keeps His promises at all times, even if I’m still mired in asking “why” instead of “how.” And He does the same with you, today and every day.

If you were encouraged by this post, please sign up to follow the blog for more posts like this. Also, this was another excerpt from the “Consider it All Joy – you’ve got to be kidding!” series starting next week (5/28/25) in-person (in Jackson, TN) or by recorded video access. Please use the contact me page here on the blog if you’d like to sign up for free access to this series.

written by and copyrighted to Beth Madison, Ph.D., 2025