Due to dysfunction, disrespect, and violent behaviour, the police had to be called to remove a young adult family member from our home. Although the problem has existed for several years, it has recently escalated to the point where drastic measures had to be taken. This family member is loved dearly and has caused many tears and upsetting days in our household of three adults and four children. Peace was needed.

Through much heartache and anguish and many tears over the years, I wanted to know where God was and why He was not answering my prayers. I went to my bedroom angry with the Lord. I am grandma, and my grandchild had just broken my heart. How could he have changed so much that he became selfish, disrespectful, and full of anger, showing no remorse for hurting people? He had turned 21 a year ago, and was introduced to alcohol and drugs — the devil's tools, I am sure — and has become alienated from the family.

After what seemed like hours passing by, heartbroken, I was still talking angrily to God. I wanted to know why He had stopped loving us. Wasn't my family important to Him? What about the promise that He made to me years ago that all my children would know Him?

Isaiah 54:13 – All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children. (NKJV)

I pulled out my Bible; I wanted to know from God's Word what was happening. All hell seemed to be breaking loose on my family.

Through searching the Bible, the Lord reminded me who my enemy really was. We were not fighting against my grandson:

Ephesians 6:12 – For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (NKJV)

The Lord then reminded me about the tools that he has given us to fight against these forces of evil. Ephesians chapter 6 lists the whole armour of God to prepare us for battle. As I remembered these things, I felt the peace of God that had been dormant for some time. I felt joy: No matter what things look like, I know that God is in control and it will all work out for good. After all, His love is greater than any love that exists.

If you are struggling today, feed on God's Word. Especially read Ephesians 6:10-20. May God bless you through His Word, today and every day!

Prayer: Father, guide our hearts today to trust You no matter what things may appear to be. You are still on the throne, and You are fully capable of handling any problem that we face. Thank You, Lord, for Your unconditional love. Thank You for the peace that only You can give during our struggles in life. Forgive our shortcomings and guide us into doing Your will. We release all to You, in Jesus' name. Amen.

It is sad to say, but many times, I have found myself questioning our Lord. Usually this occurs during times when I feel like I can no longer go on with a problem, or I don't understand the struggles or heavy burdens someone else is facing. At such times, I find myself using one or more of the four Ws in questioning God. But He always sends me to His owner's manual, the Bible, and reminds me of today's Scripture, which I need to practice daily.

"What are the four Ws?" you may ask. They are the Why, When, Where, or What questions that we sometimes throw at God when we don't understand things we face in our daily life.

"Why, Lord, is this happening? I just don't understand."

"When are You going to send the answer to these prayers, Lord?"

"Where are You, Lord? You said that You would be there. This is just too hard for anyone to go through. Are You even hearing my prayers?"

"What is really happening here, Lord? Is this a spiritual attack?"

At the times when I have come to the Lord with any of these questions, He has reminded me that I have not been doing all that I am supposed to be doing according to today's Scripture. We need to study and learn the steps in putting on the full armour of God. Then we are able to handle anything that comes along, because we know that He is with us, even until the end of time.

Sometimes our struggles last longer because we do not want to accept God's answer, or we don't let Him have full control. We try to tell Him how to handle things. We break down when we forget to go back to God's Word and practice what He tells us. Is this not what an owner's manual is for: to show us the right way? I cannot promise that I will never ask the four Ws again, but with God's help, it will happen less often. How about you?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come to You in Jesus' name on behalf of those whose prayers go up to Your throne daily through this ministry and in our private prayers. We want to do what You tell us, Lord, but at times when tragedy strikes or we face other struggles and problems in our lives, we question You. Forgive us, Lord, when we fall. We praise You for never leaving or forsaking us, as Your Word promises. Help us to become stronger and more faithful prayer warriors, in Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.