Have you ever felt discouraged by a problem or difficult situation and then chose to engage in a pity-party? If you have, you may have found yourself wondering, “why me?!”.
Why me?!
Why did I get pulled over and receive a speeding ticket when so many other drivers were going just as fast as me or faster?!
Why me?!
Why did I develop cancer when others who are less careful about their diets and lifestyle dodged that disease?! Why me?!
One of the fascinating things about language is how the same letters or a phrase, when stressed differently or placed in a different context, can be used to communicate a profoundly different idea.
For instance, the phrase “Why me?!” can also be used to express wonder at one’s good fortune and great opportunity.
Allow me to illustrate:
“Why me?!”
Why was I so fortunate to be born in a family where I was cared for, disciplined and trained to work to support myself?
“Why me?!”
Why am I alive now, at this point in time, with so many life-giving technologies and with access to so much information?
“Why me?!”
Why was I blessed to be born in America where I have the freedom of speech and other Constitutional rights that allow me to live in relative security?
“Why me?!”
Why was I granted access to the Gospel message and allowed to attend churches and training institutes where the Bible was revered for what it is–God’s revelation– and wise teachers taught me to obey what I understood?
Do you see what I’m driving at? Having the right perspective empowers us to think clearly and to ask the right questions which can powerfully enhance our sense of well-being?!
The 103rd Psalm reminds us that we should take the time to focus on the benefits that God has provided for His people.
“Bless the LORD, O my soul, And all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; Who satisfies your years with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.” [1]
Your life may not have turned out as you hoped it could, and you may have good cause for discouragement, but if you have heard the Gospel and have come to know and understand the salvation God has made available to us through Jesus Christ, you are incredibly blessed! [2] Are you choosing to focus on God’s blessing in your life and “building yourselves up on your most holy faith”?[3]
In other generations, God’s people knew the power of this proactive, faith-fighting activity and even sang about it! (Unfortunately, many of our churches have rejected the classic hymns and we are the weaker for it!) The point is, if you’re discouraged today, you don’t have to stay there! Instead of wallowing in self-pity, you might try listening to and singing along with this great hymn (Count Your Blessings- Classic Hymn) and then start regularly, even daily, taking time to recount all the ways that the Lord has blessed you!
The New Testament encourages Christians to be “transformed by the renewing of [their] mind”.[4] That aligns with the maxim: “Change your thinking and you’ll change your life!” Like no other message, the Gospel has the power to change our attitude and the trajectory of our lives because not only does the Gospel change our thinking, but through the Gospel, we are restored to God and have access to the resurrection life of Christ![5] Through the Gospel, we are united with Christ to walk in the newness of life! [6] The Gospel reveals that God has acted to rescue us from the judgment our sin against Him deserves by sending His perfect Son to be our substitute![7] Through the Gospel, our sins are not only forgiven but we receive a new standing with God! [8] Because of what Jesus accomplished in dying for our sins, God can declare us righteous and treat us that way! That’s why the Bible says, “There is now NO condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus!”[9]
That brings me to why I’ve written this blog: God created you and me for Himself and through the Gospel of His Son, He invites us to be restored to Himself and to embark on a journey of faith and obedience that will influence others to do the same!
When you know the God of the Gospel, and then obey His command to share the message with others, you’ll experience some of the deepest joy that anyone can have![10]
God wants you to experience the joy of joining Him in His mission to call your family and friends to be part of His eternal Kingdom.
If we can encourage you in your journey, please let us know!
In Christ,
John and Nancy Schaeffel
2 Corinthians 5:20, 21
[1][Psalms 103:1-5 New American Standard Bible
[2] Ephesians 1:3
[3] Jude 1:20, 21
[4] Romans 12:2
[5] Ephesians 1:19,20; 3:20
[6] Romans 1:16; 6:4
[7] John 3:16-18; Romans 3:21-26; 5:8
[8] Romans 3:24; 5:1
[9] Romans 8:1
[10] Matthew 28:18-20; John 13:17; Acts 5:41