Wondered by the Word — The Bible in a YearSample

Why Me?

Key Verse: Job 1:1

“There was a man in the country of Uz named Job. He was a man of complete integrity, who feared God and turned away from evil.”

Why Me? Haven’t we all asked that question at some point or another? When disappointment, discouragement, loss, or calamity hits our front door this is often one of our first thoughts. “Why me?” 

If you are like me, you may have even wondered “why me” because, like Job, you believe your life checks off all the boxes. You attend church and serve in church, you are a giver, you don’t lie, cheat, or steal. Surely, you should be protected from experiencing suffering on this earth. As the world turns we realize that none of us are exempt from encountering a day when something shakes us to our core. 

In the gospel of John, Jesus reminds us of this truth, “…You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world” (John 16:33). Jesus confirms that we will have suffering in this world and that we are to be courageous through it, remembering that He has conquered the world. Suffering is a byproduct of the sins of man. Knowing this, our question should then turn from “Why Me?” to “How will I respond when suffering knocks on my door?”

“Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped, saying: Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will leave this life. The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Throughout all this Job did not sin or blame God for anything.” Job 1:20-22

When Job lost everything, he did not hide his feelings or despair. He tore his robe and shaved his head, outwardly expressing his grief to those around him. Then, he fell to the ground and worshipped. Pain and suffering do not always come with an easy explanation. We will not always understand why something is happening. But ask yourself, will you still worship? Is my affection for the Father based on external things? These are questions that I reflect on when reading the book of Job. One thing remains true, God is sovereign, and no matter what He is good. We may not understand in the moment why something is happening, but we must trust it is for our good and His glory.

(Written by Jennifer Lucy Tyler)