Why me? Why not me?
August 7, 2015
John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Someone asked C.S. Lewis, “Why do the righteous suffer?” “Why not?” he replied, “They’re the only ones who can take it.” We all experience our share of trouble because pain and suffering are part of the human condition. And yet, in times of suffering we’ve all asked the question, “Why me?” Unfortunately, often times people make the mistake that believing in Jesus will make life easier. In ones ense this is true, because of the peace, grace, and love that is offered by God. However, Jesus has been careful to communicate that trouble is still part of life. Followersof Jesus are not immune to the pain in the world, but they are not alone in their pain. “We can take it,” as C.S. Lewis has said. We can suffer and survive even the most horrific situations that befall us. While some may ask, “Why me?” others begin to ask, “Why not me?” The natural question when pain comes is, “Why me?” but asking, “Why not me?” is the supernatural question the righteous ask. Not because they have the strength to ask thisquestion. The righteous ask this question because they depend on a supernatural strength to sustain them in their suffering. They believe in an eternal God who has an eternal plan even in the midst of the most traumatic situations. So even when faced with a worst-case scenario in this life, we realize that it’s only a temporary suffering. And Jesus reminds us, “Take heart, I have overcome the world.” You will have trouble, but trouble will not overcome you! Next time you face a tough situation,try calling on Jesus with an eternal faith to ask the question, “Why not me?”
– Patrick Quinn, Teaching Pastor