Have you ever asked yourself or God for that matter, “Why me?”
When my husband’s mother passed away nine months into our relationship, we lost our matchmaker, biggest fan, and counselor. It was during those times that we asked ourselves, “Why?” “Why would God take a person, who celebrated our love and daydreamed right along with us about our future together?” At the time, it seemed so unfair. To be honest, it still does because we miss her terribly.
When my father died, a year after we gave birth to our first child, we lost an important piece to our support system and I felt as if a part of me died right along with him. He always prayed over us and was willing to help us in any way that he could. Losing him was almost more than I could bear and I asked myself and the Lord, “Why me?”
Of course, there have been other times in my life when I’ve posed that question to the Lord. (I am sure you have too.) For example, why are certain races more likely to experience racism in this country or the world for that matter? Why does it seem as if the pain and suffering of others fall on deaf ears? Why Lord? Why?
Well, in my Christ and Salvation’s course, we were assigned to read Hebrews 5:1-10 ESV, and my question was answered! While I will not read the entire passage, I will read Hebrews 5: 7-8 ESV. It states, “In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.” Now wait a minute! Did you hear that part about Jesus learning obedience through his suffering? Jesus, the one who is equal to God, learned obedience through his suffering. Yet, we act as if we have nothing to learn. No, wait a minute, I can’t speak for you. Therefore, let me say… I act as if I have nothing to learn. I act as if I’m too good for suffering. I act as if my walk with Christ should be easy. I get mad when I experience racism. I get upset when someone talks about me. I want to fight when someone lies on me. However, my suffering has purpose. My trials and tribulations will strengthen my walk with Christ. Your trials and tribulations will strengthen your walk with Christ.
In other words, when loved ones leave too soon, the Father will be our comforter and we will learn to comfort others. When we experience racism, prejudices, or biases, the Father will show us how to love and we will learn how to truly love our brothers and sisters during those difficult moments. When people mock us, lie on us, and talk about us, the Father will show us how to forgive and we will learn how to interactive with the very ones who speak against us. When people question or attempt to discredit the call on our lives, the Father will show us how to handle them with care while continuing our work for the Lord.
So, the next time we ask, Why me? Perhaps, we should ask, “Why not me?” The fact that the King of Kings and Lord of Lords could learn obedience through his suffering tells me we could do the same because He lives on the inside of us. Just think about it. Then, go to the Father and pray about it.
#Soul Searching with Our Father#
