Why Me?

“Why me?”

Often, we ask ourselves: “why me??”

This question can be asked in positive life circumstances when we feel unqualified… or in negative life circumstances when we feel disqualified. 

This morning, I was reading about how both versions of this question plays out in the Bible. 

In Exodus 3:11, Moses is instructed by God to lead His people out of Egypt to escape oppression. “But Moses asked God, “why me?” Who am I to approach Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people out of Egypt?” Moses felt unqualified and inadequate. The truth is, he was inadequate by himself. So are we. But God doesn’t ask us to work alone. He answered, “I will be with you.” NIV

In 1 Kings 19:4, Elijah has just experienced an overwhelming victory in defeating the prophets of Baal. Queen Jezebel retaliates and threatens to kill Elijah. Elijah becomes terrified and runs for his life. Sitting alone in the wilderness he says “I have had enough Lord. Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.” He tells the Lord “I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty…but the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down Your alters, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” Elijah gives in to loneliness and defeat. Feeling disqualified and alone, he asks “why me?” Even to the point of wishing for death. Once again, God reminds Elijah that he is not alone. He sends an angel who provides him with food and water and He lets him rest. (Verse 5-8)

He speaks to Him in a gentle whisper on the mountain, and tells him where to go, what to do, and encourages him with news that there would be many other faithful people who were also obeying God there. 

Both in positive and negative situations the question “why me?”

Focuses on our internal abilities, qualities, and/or our inadequacies. It’s a hyper-focus on the word “me.” However, if we are in Christ- it’s important to know “me” is no longer singular. 2 Corinthians 13:5 says “Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you?…”

Philippians 2:13 also states: “For it is God who works in you to do the will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”

Whether we feel unqualified to do a task or if we feel disqualified by what life throws at us, we can remember not to stay stuck in the internal focus of “me.” 

We are qualified because it’s not about what we can do. It’s about what He can do. He knows all of our weaknesses, our limitations, and insecurities. Still, He uses us. "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9)." Once we know that truth, we realize our focus doesn’t have to stay on our internal perspective. It shifts outward- to ponder what He will do externally through us. Not an internal, limited perspective, but an eternal one.

So, the question becomes not “Why me?” But rather, What is He going to do through me? 

Maybe you needed that reminder today too.

Choosing Bold Faith with you,

Katie