Why Me?

Have you ever just looked at your life and asked yourself, “Why me?”

It’s easy to do that in our different life situations. We get frustrated with our job, our school, our parents, our spouse, our team, and our fill in the blank. You stare at the floor one day and just ask, “Why me?”

Have you ever wondered about that question before? Who are we asking that question? Many of us are asking God. Maybe it’s more like, “God, why is my life like this? Why did you let this happen to me?”

I’ll be honest; I’ve asked this before. I’ve wondered if the grass is greener somewhere else. I have a friend that I talked to today about this very thing, and I think he deals with it more than I do.

I’ve been studying some stuff in the Bible that speaks about this. In 1 Peter 1:1-2, Peter writes this particular letter to followers of Christ in what is now modern day Turkey. Their lives were not easy and comfortable in any way.

            “ 1Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,

   

To those who are elect exiles of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood:

              May grace and peace be multiplied to you.” 

These people were not highly of in their day. What made them so disliked is followers of Christ were blamed on the burning of Rome by the real fire-starter, Nero. In addition to this, other social problems were blamed on Christianity. All in all, it was not a fad to be a follower of Christ. 

I think some of the people that this letter was written for may have wondered, “Why me God?” I might be wrong though. Peter’s words here are interesting. He describes them as “elect exiles,” “according to the foreknowledge of God the Father.” What? God knew this was going to happen? And He LET it happen? 

Indeed it seems these folks were in this place for a reason. Peter understood and encourages the believers that God has a purpose, a mission, for them in these tough times. That purpose to make a difference in the lives of those around them. So them who Christ REALLY is and what He’s REALLY like. Jesus never said following Him would be easy. 

He DID however say, it would be worth it. Luke 9:23-25 says, “23And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 25 For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?” 

I’m not saying this concept is an easy one to accept. It’s much easier to write about than to put into practice. But maybe instead of saying, “Why me?” I should say, “Why here?” “What’s my purpose here God? What are you doing here that I can be a part of Your Kingdom.” Living with God’s purpose in our minds can change our despair with our lives to desperation to serve the Kingdom. It can put God before us. It can give us purpose. It can put a fire in us to make a difference. 

Check out Luke 21:10-19 for more.