I ask myself this question a lot. While only about a handful of people truly know what I've been through in my short life, many have heard a smidgen and could understand why I ask it. Today, as my doctor prepared me for the worst case scenario, which I didn't even realize was a possibility, I asked myself, "Why me?" again.
Why Lord, have you blessed me with 4 beautiful children and a husband who loves me? Why have you rescued me out of disastrous health situations and restored me completely? Why have you blessed us financially beyond what we deserve? Why do you forgive me over and over again when I commit egregious sins? Why me? Why have you chosen to rescue, restore, heal, love, and talk with me?
Our world is so shockingly evil. Sin is promoted on television, in schools, magazines, and sadly even some churches. We hear about the evil crimes of humanity on the news. Watching the Jacyee Dugard story is evidence of how wicked our society is becoming. Sin and evil are everywhere. So, I expect to be hit by the consequences of sin time and time again. It is a miracle that all of us aren't constantly bombarded with sickness, pain, suffering, and torment. Actually, let me rephrase that, it is only by the grace of God that he prevents some of it in our lives.
And so, when God does intervene with his divine protection and restoration, I ask, "Why me?" There is always a reason, even if I am not privy to it. I am completely and utterly indebted to my God. He has a plan and purpose for my life. And though I have some idea of what he is calling me to do in this world, I'm not always sure what path I'll be taking. When another twist or turn comes into play, when I find myself dealing with another unpleasant situation, I may be surprised, but He never is.
I suppose before I consider why does God rescue me, maybe I should touch on the question of why doesn’t God always rescue us quickly or in the manner we desire? Chris Tiegreen writes on pg. 195 of his book, Walk With God, "We'd like to think that in our resistance against the enemy, God is our refuge. He is, but not in the way we think....We like to think that God exists for our benefit, that He's a heavenly wish-granter and need-full-filler. And while He has committed to grant us our heart's desires...His actions are not guided primarily by the welfare of man. His actions are guided first by the glory of His name. And in this case [concerning Job], the glory of His name called for a demonstration."
Interesting. A life full of suffering and rescue allows God to display his glory to me and others! And so, I have resolved to never suffer in vain! If I would never suffer, I would never be able to help those who do! It has been my observation that many Christians believe that because we are special, because God has saved us, life is supposed to be a bit easier. We shouldn't have to endure what others endure...unless of course we decide to be missionaries in a third world country. Being comfortable is the ultimate goal. However, that doesn't resonate at all with my spirit. Comfortable ministry is an oxymoron. What does the Bible say?
2 Corinthians 1:3-5 " 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 5 For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ."
True comfort comes from the Lord, from the security of salvation, and from the omnipotence of God and his ability to do whatever he wants whenever he wants. I admire those Christians who live a life of ministry. Who reach out to the poor and needy. Who go into "dangerous" dirty places in their own hometowns. Who aren't afraid to share the Good News and show kindness to the "dregs of society." I love the quiet Christians that go about the work of Christ unbeknown to the church. Who live in those uncomfortable situations solely for the Glory of God! Those people are His hands and feet! I wish I could say that most of the Christians I know are like this, but sadly I can only name a handful.
A church event may be a comfortable way to reach out to the community, but is that what we are called to do? Or as individuals and families should we be seeking out those who need the Lord? Shouldn't we be putting ourselves in places to have one-on-one encounters full of love and provision with a lice laden children who have little to eat and mothers addicted to drugs to hide their pain? Or if that is too uncomfortable, what about making it your mission to visit a local assisted living home and minister to those who may be lonely and nearing the end of their lives? What? You have kids? You can't go into those places? Why not? Children can learn from even a young age how to effectively impact the Kingdom of God!
1 Peter 5:8 reads, "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." And so, if my adversary is seeking out to destroy souls, shouldn't I be as vigilant and determined in my mission to lead them to Christ? If not me, then who?
We all suffer - some of us more than others. But I will never have a pity party. Everything God has taken me through has allowed me to reach into another part of this world and touch lives for the sake of God's glory. Why me? Why has He rescued me? Because He loves this world and desires for no one to be lost.
2 Peter 3: 9 "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
Why me? Why did he choose to save me? And why does he keep saving me? Because He has called me to do His will and not my own. This is a bit out of context, but the message still holds true, and it resonates through me daily. 1 Corinthians 6:19b-20a "You are not your own; you were bought at a price."
And so, as the Lord does for me, I am called to do for others. And with every rescue, I become more determined.
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