Why Me, Lord?

Why me, Lord? I often have more social interaction with Christ followers than with “non-followers.”  One thing I’ve noticed though, and it goes to the credit side of non-followers, is that they aren’t as much the “why me” types when life’s “stuff” happens. They aren’t as concerned or perplexed as to why seemingly “bad” things happen to them.  Like you and me, they experience sickness, job losses, deaths, disappointments, relational issues . . .  all types of suffering. For some, the explanation is karma. (Hey, this is Asheville). For others, they acknowledge the fact that “s***” happens and are often more understanding and accepting of life’s challenges than believers are.

If anyone ought to know better about the “whys” of the “woes” of the world, people of the cross should. Yet we too often are the ones who ask “Why me, Lord?” Let’s face it, life is not a joyride and God never promised us one. Since the introduction of sin by Adam and Eve recorded in Genesis 3, all of the earth has been cursed with the presence of death, sickness, disease and all expressions of evil (including rebellion vs. God). This was the origin of all things “bad” which are now present in God’s “good” creation, and everyone and everything is affected from this fallout.

We see the ultimate humiliation, injustice, suffering and death endured by Christ as the perfect and holy one was subjected to what in a spoiled world is now common to man. Peter cautioned followers in 1 Ptr. 4:12 “don’t be surprised at the painful trials you are suffering.” He says in v.16 “If you suffer as a Christian, don’t be ashamed.” In 1:6 Peter says “for a little while you may have to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.” James 1: 2 says to “consider it pure joy when you face trials.” Paul, in Romans 5:3 says, “We rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance character, and character, hope.”

While non-followers may never suffer persecution and trials for upholding the gospel and their faith, we, as Christ followers must add that to the list of suffering which includes illness, disease and death. The gospel had clearly forewarned us that one making a journey in faith is not simply on life’s most adventurous road, but also on a perilous one. Forewarned is forearmed. We have the opportunity to bring God praise and notice through our struggles as his strength is demonstrated through our weakness. So, perhaps the question is “Why not me?” Think About It.