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Why?: Trusting God When You Don't Understand
Called "the best preacher in the family," by her father, Billy Graham, Anne Graham Lotz speaks around the globe with the wisdom and the authority of years spent studying God's Word. In her latest book, Anne shares her heart and God's teachings on the universal problem of suffering. Drawing her characteristically keen insights from the familiar story of Lazarus in the ninth and eleventh chapters of the Gospel of John, Anne offers Jesus' reassuring answers to our heartfelt cries for understanding: Why? helps us understand and deal with suffering while guiding us to the ultimate answer-the Savior who shares our grief and our tears.
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
80 people are currently reading
359 people want to read
About the author
Anne Graham Lotz
152 books255 followersLotz is the child of Billy Graham & Ruth Bell Graham
Anne Graham Lotz (born May 1948) is an American Christian evangelist. She is the second daughter of evangelist Billy Graham and his wife Ruth Graham. Anne Graham Lotz accepts speaking invitations worldwide, is founder of AnGeL Ministries, and an award-winning author.
Anne Graham Lotz (born May 1948) is an American Christian evangelist. She is the second daughter of evangelist Billy Graham and his wife Ruth Graham. Anne Graham Lotz accepts speaking invitations worldwide, is founder of AnGeL Ministries, and an award-winning author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
October 31, 2009
"Because while belief is the consent of the mind and faith is a choice of the will, trust is a commitment of the heart." Pg 118.
A close friend purchased this book for me as a gift after the passing of my father a few weeks ago. It was really odd because this person and I had been best friends through high school and our mid 20's but slowly grew apart. About two months ago her husband stopped by out of the blue, to say hi, and the following day "my birthday" she called to wish me a happy birthday. Who would know a month later she would be there to hold me up for one of the most difficult moments of my life.
Another odd thing about her buying me this book is, she is not a reader. In 31 years, I have never known her to pick-up a book, let alone buy one, so the fact that she had purchased this book for me was reason enough for me to take an instant interest in reading it.
The last odd thing is the book itself. See I love the Lord and I know He loves me. He prooves it over and over and when I think of the peace and calmness I have experienced the past 3 weeks reassures me that it is Him who holds my hand. Learning that the book was centered around the story of Mary, Martha, and their brother Lazarus gripped my heart because of all of the stories of the bible, this one leaves me with the most questions. The main one being, did God raise Lazarus from the dead in the physical sense, or the spiritual. Did, Lazarus go on to live a day,a week, a month, or many years. And, is the Lazarus of the book of John, the same Lazarus of the book of Luke?
Although these questions were not answered in "Why?" this little book brought me so much comfort and motivated me in many ways. It reaffirmed beliefs and understandings I already had regarding His word and introduced me to new possibilities. Growing up we were taught never to question God's actions but none the less, those questions pierce our hearts and since God knows our hearts and our every thought, he knows our questions and is ready to answer them.
I recommend this book to anyone who is struggling, not only with the loss of a loved one, but those who find themselves asking God "Why?"
Tracy L. Darity
Author, He Loves Me He Loves Me Not!"
A close friend purchased this book for me as a gift after the passing of my father a few weeks ago. It was really odd because this person and I had been best friends through high school and our mid 20's but slowly grew apart. About two months ago her husband stopped by out of the blue, to say hi, and the following day "my birthday" she called to wish me a happy birthday. Who would know a month later she would be there to hold me up for one of the most difficult moments of my life.
Another odd thing about her buying me this book is, she is not a reader. In 31 years, I have never known her to pick-up a book, let alone buy one, so the fact that she had purchased this book for me was reason enough for me to take an instant interest in reading it.
The last odd thing is the book itself. See I love the Lord and I know He loves me. He prooves it over and over and when I think of the peace and calmness I have experienced the past 3 weeks reassures me that it is Him who holds my hand. Learning that the book was centered around the story of Mary, Martha, and their brother Lazarus gripped my heart because of all of the stories of the bible, this one leaves me with the most questions. The main one being, did God raise Lazarus from the dead in the physical sense, or the spiritual. Did, Lazarus go on to live a day,a week, a month, or many years. And, is the Lazarus of the book of John, the same Lazarus of the book of Luke?
Although these questions were not answered in "Why?" this little book brought me so much comfort and motivated me in many ways. It reaffirmed beliefs and understandings I already had regarding His word and introduced me to new possibilities. Growing up we were taught never to question God's actions but none the less, those questions pierce our hearts and since God knows our hearts and our every thought, he knows our questions and is ready to answer them.
I recommend this book to anyone who is struggling, not only with the loss of a loved one, but those who find themselves asking God "Why?"
Tracy L. Darity
Author, He Loves Me He Loves Me Not!"
January 15, 2008
This is a book that you hang onto and read again and again. During times of challenges, doubts and struggles it points you back to God, his soverignity and promises.
August 28, 2019
The foreword, written by a friend of the author, caught my attention. I was disappointed when the content of the book turned out to be a symbolic breakdown of the story of Lazarus, one of my least favorite Biblical stories.
However, Graham Lotz’s analysis was interesting, if not provocative. The symbols explained toward the end resonated with me: the stone of Lazarus’s vault and then his wrappings.
The book delves into “Why,” in regards to God’s will and purpose. Throughout, the author uncomfortably, but gently, turns the question around on us to our own choices.
This is a book that doesn’t preach and is more of a literary analysis and discussion, which some may find appealing.
A good book. I recommend.
However, Graham Lotz’s analysis was interesting, if not provocative. The symbols explained toward the end resonated with me: the stone of Lazarus’s vault and then his wrappings.
The book delves into “Why,” in regards to God’s will and purpose. Throughout, the author uncomfortably, but gently, turns the question around on us to our own choices.
This is a book that doesn’t preach and is more of a literary analysis and discussion, which some may find appealing.
A good book. I recommend.
July 30, 2025
Encouraging little book.
I needed this. It’s an encouraging message that we’ve probably already heard but need to be reminded of… often. I’m pretty sure I’ll be reading this once a year. If you’re struggling and asking God Why in any situation, this is a great reminder of why God allows suffering and trials in our lives. He is good and He is always faithful to use everything for our good. Do yourself a favor and be refreshed by this encouraging little book. If it’s your first or fiftieth time hearing the message, you’ll be blessed.
I needed this. It’s an encouraging message that we’ve probably already heard but need to be reminded of… often. I’m pretty sure I’ll be reading this once a year. If you’re struggling and asking God Why in any situation, this is a great reminder of why God allows suffering and trials in our lives. He is good and He is always faithful to use everything for our good. Do yourself a favor and be refreshed by this encouraging little book. If it’s your first or fiftieth time hearing the message, you’ll be blessed.
July 10, 2013
This was a short little book I picked up from the library because I thought it might be a little refresher both from some of the darker reading I've been doing lately (not intentionally, just because that's what's come up in various groups) and the darker things going on in my life. If you've been a Christian long enough, there's nothing particularly new or astounding in this book; in fact, it's rather simple. Sometimes, though, it's the simple things that take the most reminding to get them through our heads. Life was not promised to be easy, I am not promised to be safe from harm and my "happiness" is not guaranteed. But my security in my Home and my Father is, as long as I continue to remember that and hold on to it... in fact, even when I don't, He stays beside me anyway. It's not about "deserving" certain life circumstances, but rather how you're going to face the adverse ones when they come.
I listened to this on audio and while the author's heart really comes through in her reading (as a daughter of the Rev. Billy Graham), I did find her southern belle pronunciation of "JE-suus" to be a bit distracting. But the truth of the matter stands, that we have a Savior who is acquainted with our suffering and wants us to grow through it, not be consumed by it. We can become better by the circumstances that come our way or succumb to them. Just a Sunday School type reminder.
3/5
I listened to this on audio and while the author's heart really comes through in her reading (as a daughter of the Rev. Billy Graham), I did find her southern belle pronunciation of "JE-suus" to be a bit distracting. But the truth of the matter stands, that we have a Savior who is acquainted with our suffering and wants us to grow through it, not be consumed by it. We can become better by the circumstances that come our way or succumb to them. Just a Sunday School type reminder.
3/5
October 1, 2019
My mom recently passed away unexpectedly. I had heard a lot of praise for this book and picked up a copy, not because I was angry at God, but because I had my questions.
I will admit this wasn’t the sort of “ground breaker” I had hoped it to be, but I still found a lot of value in it as a Christian. It was the nice solid reminders and insight that kept me reading and have left me feeling a little more assured despite the grieving.
I would recommend this book for other Christians who are perhaps struggling with various stressful or traumatic events.
I will admit this wasn’t the sort of “ground breaker” I had hoped it to be, but I still found a lot of value in it as a Christian. It was the nice solid reminders and insight that kept me reading and have left me feeling a little more assured despite the grieving.
I would recommend this book for other Christians who are perhaps struggling with various stressful or traumatic events.
October 11, 2013
So far it is a great book for those struggling with Why me? Or other Why struggles? Short, easy to read and helpful which a person needs when they are under stress, looking for answers, looking for encouragement.... Now completed the book! I found it really went deep into the topic of Why? It was rich and I really had to think to get all the meat that was here in this book. A must read again!
May 12, 2008
such an incredible book for LIFE! it's wonderful...and really a tool and a method to look to Christ for answers and understanding.
May 29, 2018
Love this book! Greatest short read on trusting God through life's storms and hardships! I will be passing this one forward! Must read & a must have!
July 12, 2019
Although the author and I do not see eye to eye on everything, she opened my eyes and made me think about a scripture story in a new light and I appreciate that so much! I am glad that I found this little volume in a thrift shop because I have enjoyed taking the story of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus to a different level.
Some thoughts to remember:
"The burden of suffering seems a tombstone hung about our necks, while in reality it is only the weight which is necessary to keep down the diver while he is hunting for pearls." -Jean Paul Richter
"I have learnt to love the darkness of sorrow; there you see the brightness of His face." -Madame Guyon
"Are you interpreting His love by your circumstances instead of interpreting your circumstances by His love?"
Dr. Larry Crabb, a prominent psychologist, defines sin as "our effort to supplement what we think are limits to God's goodness. It is trusting our self instead of trusting God."
"Sometimes God waits in order to allow us time to exhaust every other avenue of help until we finally realize without any doubt or reservation that we are totally helpless without Him."
"To me every hour of the light and dark is a miracle, every cubic inch of space is a miracle." -Walt Whitman
Some thoughts to remember:
"The burden of suffering seems a tombstone hung about our necks, while in reality it is only the weight which is necessary to keep down the diver while he is hunting for pearls." -Jean Paul Richter
"I have learnt to love the darkness of sorrow; there you see the brightness of His face." -Madame Guyon
"Are you interpreting His love by your circumstances instead of interpreting your circumstances by His love?"
Dr. Larry Crabb, a prominent psychologist, defines sin as "our effort to supplement what we think are limits to God's goodness. It is trusting our self instead of trusting God."
"Sometimes God waits in order to allow us time to exhaust every other avenue of help until we finally realize without any doubt or reservation that we are totally helpless without Him."
"To me every hour of the light and dark is a miracle, every cubic inch of space is a miracle." -Walt Whitman
July 3, 2018
Excellent book for people of faith, with comforting perspectives on pain, loss, and disappointment, centered around the death and resurrection of Lazarus. However, for skeptics outside the Christian fold, those perspectives may be too faith-dependent to be of much use. This is not a philosophical nor an apologetic book on the problem of God and suffering, but an insightful book for its intended audience. Though a bit harsh at times on readers questioning the goodness of God, its overall tone is one of encouragement.
A challenging take-away for me was a quote from "The Message of Miracles", in the April 10, 1995 edition of Time: "For the truly faithful, no miracle is necessary; for those who must doubt, no miracle is sufficient."
A challenging take-away for me was a quote from "The Message of Miracles", in the April 10, 1995 edition of Time: "For the truly faithful, no miracle is necessary; for those who must doubt, no miracle is sufficient."
March 13, 2025
This book, written by Billy and Ruth Graham's daughter, Anne Graham Lotz is inspired by the Scripture from John who writes about Jesus's friend Lazarus, who was raised from the dead. There are so many "why's" in life, not only in this story but for all of us living in this flawed world.
She shares her own pain and her why's as she questions the Lord who always knows what is best in the final outcome. I rest in the Lord's wisdom as well as trust in His plan, but really appreciate this little book packed with so much wisdom and perspective to bring me comfort when I am in pain asking the Lord, "Why?".
She shares her own pain and her why's as she questions the Lord who always knows what is best in the final outcome. I rest in the Lord's wisdom as well as trust in His plan, but really appreciate this little book packed with so much wisdom and perspective to bring me comfort when I am in pain asking the Lord, "Why?".
October 20, 2017
Enjoyed
Thought provoking. I got alot out of these pages. As I am trying to get through grief with loss of my don. Things don't always make sense. But if we take off the grave clothes we may see Gods great plan for us.
Thought provoking. I got alot out of these pages. As I am trying to get through grief with loss of my don. Things don't always make sense. But if we take off the grave clothes we may see Gods great plan for us.
April 6, 2019
Excellent insight into trusting God when we don’t understand.
Anne has effectively opened the Word and given spiritual eyesight and understanding to our oft-asked “whys.” Her unique style underlines God’s eternal Truth in human terms for our growth in perfect trust.
Anne has effectively opened the Word and given spiritual eyesight and understanding to our oft-asked “whys.” Her unique style underlines God’s eternal Truth in human terms for our growth in perfect trust.
November 15, 2020
VERY GOOD BOOK TO GIVE AS A GIFT. SIMPLE AND STRAIGHTFORWARD AS SHE TAKES THE STORY OF LAZARUS FROM THE GOSPEL OF JOHN AND GIVES US APPLICATIONS FOR OUR DAILY LIVES AND ANSWERS TO SOME OF LIFE'S TOUGHEST QUESTIONS.
February 9, 2024
This is a book that makes you ponder. It is a book to keep and reread again to help you ask why? Why should you trust? It is not a book to be read and put away but a book to be read when you are troubled or have questions. I wish I had faith like the author does. But, aren't we all on a quest?
October 20, 2025
Inspiring and heartwarming
Anne Graham Lotzs' book is a must read its encoura
ging and a must read to prepare the Christian for life in today's world of chaos and uncertainty. Anne offers hope and joy for those that believe and trust in God.
Anne Graham Lotzs' book is a must read its encoura
ging and a must read to prepare the Christian for life in today's world of chaos and uncertainty. Anne offers hope and joy for those that believe and trust in God.
March 20, 2018
Very helpful!
December 31, 2019
Wow! What a challenge! And what else is there in the middle of the whys but to trust Jesus?
May 3, 2020
A good devotional for those struggling (especially during this pandemic) to see God at work in their lives.
January 10, 2021
Some good reflections
February 2, 2023
I very much enjoy other books by the author, her style and topics are excellent. Another good book by Anne Graham Lotz!
February 26, 2025
Just trust Jesus
This is a very encouraging book about all the why's in our life's. It gives inspiring answers of how to handle the why's.
You will be blessed as you read.
This is a very encouraging book about all the why's in our life's. It gives inspiring answers of how to handle the why's.
You will be blessed as you read.
April 11, 2025
Was hoping this would be more relatable.
August 29, 2025
10/10 recommend! AGL always delivers encouragement and challenges other Believers. thank you Anne💓
January 25, 2026
I’d give more stars if they were available!
September 17, 2012
I understand that a turkey and an eagle react differently to the threat of the storm. A turkey reacts by running under the barn, hoping the storm won't come near.
On the other hand, an eagle leaves the security of its nest and spreads its wings to ride the air currents of the approaching storm, knowing they will carry it higher in the sky than it could sour on its own.
Based on your reaction to the storms of life, which are you?
A turkey or an eagle?
I recently read this and it wasn't quite what I thought it would be, but it did have a few good quotes that I liked.
"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whosoever lives and believes in me will never die."
Why would God allow 110 fathers of unborn children to perish in the collapse of the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001?
Why would God withhold children from Godly parents and give them to a mother who would bash in their heads with a rock or drown them in a bathtub?
Why would God allow men, in His name, to abuse innocent children...and continue in ministry?
Why would God allow the kidnapping of innocent babies and children for the perverted pleasure of some pedophile?
Why do the young die?
Why do the godly perish?
Why do the wicked prosper?
When there are no answers to your questions, Trust Him.
Trust when you don't understand.
Trust His heart.
Trust his purpose.
Trust Him when it is your heart that's broken.
Trust His goodness.
Trust him beyond the grave.
Trust His plan to be bigger than yours.
Trust Him to keep his word.
Trust Him to set you free.
God answers prayer, but sometimes the way He goes about it can be incredibly confusing and unconventional. Which is one reason He goes about it in that way- so that our faith rests totally in Him. Then, when the answer comes, we know without a shred of doubt that it comes from Him alone and that He knows best. And we give Him all the glory.
When have you misunderstood God's Word?
When he said, "Love one another", did you think He meant for you to tolerate sin?
When he said, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged", did you think He meant for you not to take a stand against unrighteous behavior?
When he said, "In all things God works for the good", did you think He meant every story would have a happy ending?
When He said, "I will surely bless you", did you think He meant that He would make you healthy, wealthy, happy, and problem free?
Show Him your grief and pain and let Him see exactly how you feel and what you think. Don't hide it or repress it or cover it up or pretend it's not there. Just pour it all out to Him, and then wait expectantly for His response.
Trust Him when you can't see the big picture or the end of the story.
Trust Him when the worse happens and you just don't understand why.
On the other hand, an eagle leaves the security of its nest and spreads its wings to ride the air currents of the approaching storm, knowing they will carry it higher in the sky than it could sour on its own.
Based on your reaction to the storms of life, which are you?
A turkey or an eagle?
I recently read this and it wasn't quite what I thought it would be, but it did have a few good quotes that I liked.
"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whosoever lives and believes in me will never die."
Why would God allow 110 fathers of unborn children to perish in the collapse of the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001?
Why would God withhold children from Godly parents and give them to a mother who would bash in their heads with a rock or drown them in a bathtub?
Why would God allow men, in His name, to abuse innocent children...and continue in ministry?
Why would God allow the kidnapping of innocent babies and children for the perverted pleasure of some pedophile?
Why do the young die?
Why do the godly perish?
Why do the wicked prosper?
When there are no answers to your questions, Trust Him.
Trust when you don't understand.
Trust His heart.
Trust his purpose.
Trust Him when it is your heart that's broken.
Trust His goodness.
Trust him beyond the grave.
Trust His plan to be bigger than yours.
Trust Him to keep his word.
Trust Him to set you free.
God answers prayer, but sometimes the way He goes about it can be incredibly confusing and unconventional. Which is one reason He goes about it in that way- so that our faith rests totally in Him. Then, when the answer comes, we know without a shred of doubt that it comes from Him alone and that He knows best. And we give Him all the glory.
When have you misunderstood God's Word?
When he said, "Love one another", did you think He meant for you to tolerate sin?
When he said, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged", did you think He meant for you not to take a stand against unrighteous behavior?
When he said, "In all things God works for the good", did you think He meant every story would have a happy ending?
When He said, "I will surely bless you", did you think He meant that He would make you healthy, wealthy, happy, and problem free?
Show Him your grief and pain and let Him see exactly how you feel and what you think. Don't hide it or repress it or cover it up or pretend it's not there. Just pour it all out to Him, and then wait expectantly for His response.
Trust Him when you can't see the big picture or the end of the story.
Trust Him when the worse happens and you just don't understand why.
March 13, 2021
I’m now reading this book for the 3rd time. Love that the author narrates it. Have gifted this book to a friend.
June 24, 2010
Anne did a great job in explaining how we can trust God even when we don't know why. We can't always understand why bad things happen, but we can trust in God's grander plan and goodness. This is a very short book, but fill with wisdom and personal experience about how God is working despite our hardest struggles and pains. She uses the story of Lazarus' death in the gospel of John, explaining why Jesus waited 4 days to come and his comfort for his children.
Favorite Quote:
"God answers prayer, but sometimes the way He goes about it can be incredibly confusing and unconventional. Which is one reason He goes about it in that way - so that our faith rests totally in Him. Then, when the answer comes, we know without a shred of doubt that it comes from Him alone and that He knows best. And we give Him all the glory." (Page 60)
Favorite Quote:
"God answers prayer, but sometimes the way He goes about it can be incredibly confusing and unconventional. Which is one reason He goes about it in that way - so that our faith rests totally in Him. Then, when the answer comes, we know without a shred of doubt that it comes from Him alone and that He knows best. And we give Him all the glory." (Page 60)
Currently reading
August 1, 2013August 1, 2013
I bought this book about a month or so ago. I bought it because it might help me deal with my issue with my faith. There is a lot of things that I don't understand right now. When I bought it, the person said "It is a very good book and a very good author." I told the person that this book might be what I need to "find" my stable faith again. I don't know.
I still haven't started it, as I had it beside my bed, and this morning I found it underneath one of my large feather pillows. I stared at it and wondered once again why I am struggling with my faith.
So, I have decided to start it today as it is a new month and hopefully find something that I have been missing out of my faith.
I bought this book about a month or so ago. I bought it because it might help me deal with my issue with my faith. There is a lot of things that I don't understand right now. When I bought it, the person said "It is a very good book and a very good author." I told the person that this book might be what I need to "find" my stable faith again. I don't know.
I still haven't started it, as I had it beside my bed, and this morning I found it underneath one of my large feather pillows. I stared at it and wondered once again why I am struggling with my faith.
So, I have decided to start it today as it is a new month and hopefully find something that I have been missing out of my faith.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews