Because I Said So

I remember my mama’s comeback when I would ask “Why do I have to do that?” Her reply? “Because I said so!” No other explanation was needed. She said so!

Even when we don’t understand, we submit to obedience. Did you know there are 1,050 commands in the New Testament alone? God often asks us to do the seemingly impossible: “Love your enemies,” “Forgive those who hurt you.” Really? Those commands seem downright impossible but when God gives us those commands, He is working His inside scoop for our good!

Sometimes, God’s nudges feel just as perplexing as when a mom insists the child takes the trash out. "NOW? I'm right in the middle of this video game!"

Or, us! We’re in a sweet spot and then we sense a divine nudge to change direction. “Why, God?” we might ask. And while He might not always spell it out, the answer often boils down to, “Because I said so.”

Much like a parent knows the trash truck is coming early in the morning, God knows the intricacies of our lives far better than we do.

In Proverbs 3:5-6, we’re reminded to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding. In all our ways, we are to acknowledge Him, and He will make our paths straight. It’s the ultimate “Because I said so” from our Creator.

Think of Jonah. God told him to go to Nineveh, but Jonah had other plans. We all know how that turned out -- a dramatic sea voyage and an unexpected three-day stay in the belly of a fish. Jonah’s story is a vivid reminder that when God speaks, we best quickly reply, “YES SIR!”

Let’s imagine God as a loving parent guiding us. Just like parents know when trash day is, God knows the perfect timing for everything in our lives. His Word is filled with wisdom that, when followed, leads us to a life of abundance, peace and joy.

So next time God nudges us, and we sense that familiar “Why?” bubbling up, let's remember that His plans are for our good. His directions are steeped in love and infinite wisdom. It’s not about the “why” but the “Who” behind the command.

Obedience to God’s voice is about believing that His “Because I said so” is backed by a heart that wants the very best for us. His plans are to prosper us and not to harm us, to give us hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). And that, dear friends, is more than enough reason to follow His lead without hesitation.

Because He said so.