Why Me is the Wrong Question

Soooo we occasionally talk about Jesus' sarcasm when interacting with self-righteous and religious people. But how often do we talk about one of the longest reads in the Bible, Job 38 - 41.

It starts with God talking and He says,

“Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand."

As my daughter would say, oop!

I do not hear sermons about that part. We talk about God suggesting Job to the enemy, we talk about his wife and friends turning on him, we talk about how he didn't curse God, and even the double restoration. But we skip 4 chapters of God gathering Job all the way together before He restored him.

My God is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore. We live in a time of grace, but gathering sessions do still occur. We forget, God does not allow anything without purpose. Him working things out for our good means He wastes nothing, and when He uses everything, He gets the glory.

Job was blameless in a sense. He cared and helped others, covered his family, gave to the poor, supported the community, and lived according to God's statues, works. We also discover as the story continued that Job dealt with pride, and He needed to know who God was on a deeper level. Go back and read the story.

In his grief, he talked about all the things he had done. Job believed he deserved answers, he believed he had lived righteous enough to question God's decision, and He believed God owed Him an explanation. Then God reminded Him who He was for 4 straight chapters.

Here is the thing, God does not mind our questions. He wants us to talk to Him, and He desires relationship with us, but there is a big difference between questioning God and asking questions.

We blame God for a lot of things. It's easier than looking at ourselves or taking accountability, but what if we really looked at our situations through a different lense and with a humble heart. Remember, we did not create anything or anyone, and we know enough to be dangerous. He knows all things.

So let's ask ourselves these questions first.

1. Am I in this situation because of a decision I made or didn't make?

2. Am I blaming God for something that I created myself?

3. Am I in this situation as a result of us living in a broken, fallen world?

4. Is this a "have you considered my servant Job moment," and if so why am I being considered?

Once these questions are answered, it creates space to ask God the right questions.

1. My decisions led me here because I followed myself instead of following You. How are you going to turn this around for my good? What are ALL the lessons I can learn in this moment?

2. We live in a fallen, broken world where unexpected things happen, but God you know all things. You gave us all free will and we ALL misuse it sometimes. What promise are you going to keep as we walk through this situation? How do you want to get the glory out of it? What do you want to develop in me as we walk?

3. Now that I have been considered, what am I not seeing that you see? What are you trying to show me about me? We know the enemy will be proven wrong, you will get the glory, and the reward is double, but in the process, how do I stay in the right heart posture?

Why me is the wrong question because God and his plan is so much deeper than that. Why me leaves real questions unanswered, and creates a place of stagnation. Why me is where we get stuck.

The read from 38 - 41 resonates with me because I was Job. I have said, "But I did what you told me, but I followed how you wanted me to do it, but, but, but." Obedience does not mean you will avoid trouble. Obedience ensures safety, protection, alignment, and peace as you encounter hard things in life. Living for the Lord doesn't mean bad things won't happen, but it does mean that I'm backed with power and promises, which always has a purpose.

Even when I'm not going through a big trial, I go back and read it, not to be put in my place. It's a reminder of how big my God is. While I see and live in a moment, God sees the entire story. While I manage my life and those who I am connected to, God sustains an entire universe.

Bring your heart even if it's broken, just don't lose the knowledge of who God is. He is a good, loving father that wants you to bring your questions so He can teach you. He wants to share His wisdom and knowledge with you so you can live in victory, the way He promised. He is compassionate, and He is not human so take the limits off and take Him out of the box you have placed Him in. If you have not met the God I describe; good, loving, forgiving, compassionate, there is still time. He is waiting on you so He can show you who He is, not who people have been to you.

My final question to you is, what do you have to lose? You have tried everything else, and it has not worked. Try someone that I know will work.

Bring your heart, bring your tears, bring your anger, bring your grief, but also bring empty hands. He is ready for the real questions you have.