WHY, GOD…WHY, ME?

Have you found yourself struggling with issues in your life? Maybe it is a physical problem or affliction that you wish GOD would heal? Maybe a problem with a temptation that never seems to leave you? We all have our struggles and problems that we are forced to deal with. But, it is important to realize that in and through these struggles, GOD hasn’t left you without His help and hope.

I know there are those out there that tell you that a true child of GOD should not experience problems and difficulties. They are quick to tell you that you must have some spiritual issue going on in your life that needs to be taken care of. However, such advice stands in stark contrast to Scripture.

Take Paul for example. Here we have an awesome man of GOD, but by his own admission, he struggled and suffered a great deal every day under what he referred to as a “thorn in the flesh…a messenger of Satan.” This is how he explained it to the Corinthian church: “Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to torment me so I would not exalt myself” (1 Corinthians 12:7 HCSB).

Why would GOD allow a servant like Paul to be under the constant bondage of this particular issue? Maybe Paul’s ministry could have been even greater without this problem in his life? What was the meaning of all this? Why do you struggle with personal problems and issues? Why are you suffering with an incurable disease that you wish GOD would heal? A great big, WHY, GOD? WHY, ME?

Paul said: “I pleaded with the Lord three times to take it away from me” (V. 8). Paul begged and pleaded with GOD to remove the problem from his life; GOD’s responded by saying: “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness” (v. 9).

I doubt that was the response Paul expected from GOD. He had seen GOD heal people, deliver people, work great miracles in the lives of people and I would imagine he expected the same in his own. But, GOD had a different plan. GOD had no intention of delivering him from the issue; instead, He told Paul to trust in His grace and be prepared to see the power of GOD brought to perfection through his own weakness.

I don’t know why GOD allows struggles to enter our lives; why we have to live with problems and issues that GOD could heal instantly, if He wanted to. But, I do know that GOD is sovereign; that GOD is GOD, and it is not my duty to assume anything from Him as my Creator, simply to place my trust in His wisdom and understanding.

I don’t know why you are going through things right now. But, GOD knows! His grace is sufficient to carry you through to whatever purpose He has for you. You don’t know what GOD is going to do through your issue or problem; how GOD will use it to impact others. But, GOD has a plan and through your weakness and your willingness, His power can be set free to operate and make an impact in your world.

Paul had to make a choice. He had to choose to either become a servant to his weakness or to remain a servant unto GOD. He could’ve had the attitude that said: “Well, if GOD isn’t going to take this away, I’m just going to sit back and allow this issue to dictate my life—and do nothing!” or, he could step up to the plate, as he did, and respond in this way: “Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. So because of Christ, I am pleased in weaknesses, in insults, in catastrophes, in persecutions, and in pressures. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (vv.9-10).

So many people have sat back in sorrow and discouragement because of problems in their lives. GOD wants to use those problems to display His greatness—to release His power in order to break through to greatness in the world He has you in. Get up off that couch! Stand up in His power and might and see the exciting works GOD desires to do through you in the midst of your problems, difficulties and struggles. Give GOD the glory today!

Scripture Reading: “May the Lord answer you in a day of trouble; may the name of Jacob’s God protect you. May He send you help from the sanctuary and sustain you from Zion. May He remember all your offerings and accept your burnt offering. May He give you what your heart desires and fulfill your whole purpose. Let us shout for joy at your victory and lift the banner in the name of our God. May the Lord fulfill all your requests. Now I know that the Lord gives victory to His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with mighty victories from His right hand. Some take pride in a chariot, and others in horses, but we take pride in the name of the Lord our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand firm. Lord, give victory to the king! May He answer us on the day that we call” (Psalm 20 HCSB).

Personal Prayer: Father in heaven, I have no idea why I have to suffer through these struggles, problems and issues in my life. I live my life as best I can for You. I keep my trust in You. I try to give my all to You and yet I continue to be haunted by these daily messengers of evil that come against me. Father, I don’t know why, but You do. I pray that in and through whatever it is I might be forced to go through that I will always maintain my trust and confidence in You and in Your wisdom and plans for me. Help me to remain strong, LORD, and to not allow myself to be overwhelmed by the problem but to maintain my strength through You always! I love you, LORD!…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!