The question echoes through ages of adversity, a raw cry from the heart of human suffering: “Why Me Lord?” In moments of personal battles, listening to tales of others facing life’s harshest storms, this question surfaces with haunting regularity. Phrases like, “What did I do to deserve this?” or “God must be punishing me,” betray a deep-seated struggle to reconcile faith with hardship. However, these questions and statements often stem from a misdirected focus, obscuring a more profound truth.
Life, in its intricate design, is not a landscape of predictable fairness. Hardship does not discriminate; it touches the righteous and the unrighteous alike, often without clear cause or immediate explanation. Consider the biblical figure of Job. Scripture paints him as a man of integrity, yet he was subjected to immense suffering, a trial seemingly unmerited by his blameless life.
Job did not earn his pain. Instead, God allowed him to be tested, and in his response, Job became an enduring example of unwavering integrity amidst devastation. He teaches us the crucial lesson of maintaining faith and avoiding the trap of wrongfully blaming God when life throws its inevitable curveballs. The scriptures remind us that “all things work together for good” (Romans 8:28). This powerful verse doesn’t promise that “all things are good,” but reveals a divine orchestration where even trials can be woven into a larger tapestry of good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. Recognizing this distinction is paramount.
When God commanded Jonah to preach repentance to Nineveh, the prophet’s initial reaction was resistance, a silent, “Why me Lord?” echoing in his disobedience. Similarly, Elijah, in the aftermath of his triumphant victory over Jezebel and the prophets of Baal, found himself despondent under a juniper tree, his weariness a lament, “Why me Lord?”
Contrast these responses with Isaiah’s. In a pivotal moment, God’s call resonated, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Isaiah’s immediate reply was not of reluctance or self-pity, but of fervent willingness: “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8). The distinction lies in attitude and focus. Jonah and Elijah, in their moments of doubt, turned inward, their gaze fixed on their own limitations and perceived burdens. Isaiah, however, directed his focus upward, placing God at the center, eclipsing self-concern. His question was not “What will this cost me?” but “What can I do for God’s purpose?” It was an embodiment of complete commitment to the divine will.
Therefore, when we stand at the crossroads of challenge, potential, need, or opportunity, two fundamental questions present themselves:
- Why me Lord?
- Why not me Lord?
The first question, “Why me Lord?”, often spirals into self-pity, hindering service and clouding our vision of God’s larger plan. It can lead to ineffective action and even rebellion against God’s will, stifling the fruit of righteousness and obscuring the transformative grace, love, and mercy of God from touching others through us. This inward focus can be spiritually detrimental, potentially leading to despair and a life unfulfilled in divine purpose.
Conversely, the question, “Why not me Lord?”, propels us toward service, even when the path is arduous. It’s an acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty and a declaration of trust in His provision. Instead of succumbing to the “Why me?” lament when faced with adversity, shifting our perspective to “Why not me Lord?” opens us to divine possibilities. It’s a recognition that through trials, God can demonstrate His grace, love, power, and unwavering provision. Our journey through hardship then transforms into a powerful testimony, a beacon of hope for others navigating their own trials, empowering them to declare, “With God’s help, I too can overcome.” As the insightful Pioneer Preacher Burton McCafferty wisely stated, “God can pull us through anything if we can stand the pull.”
The grace of God is boundless and unfailing. His love surpasses human comprehension, knowing no limits. His power is inexhaustible and unmatched. With such a divine arsenal at our disposal, how can we not place our trust in Him? Choosing to ask “Why not me Lord?” in every situation, rather than “Why me Lord?”, cultivates a profound peace that transcends words.
While “why” can sometimes be a valid question in life’s complexities, it often breeds doubt, confusion, and bitterness, especially in the face of suffering. When my Bonnie passed away and returned home to Jesus, I was reminded of the words I had often shared at graveside services: “Why is the wrong question. The right questions are, ‘Where to from here?’ and ‘What now?’” Like Isaiah, our posture should be one of surrender, raising our hands and proclaiming, “I’m yours LORD, whatever you want, I’m all in.”
May God’s abundant blessings enrich your day as you live in and through Him. May His peace permeate your endeavors for His Kingdom.
Have a blessed day, and savor your life in His presence!
