“And we know that God causes everything to work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.” – Romans 8:28 (NLT)
“Why Me, Lord?”
When adversity strikes, it’s natural to ask, “Why do I have to go through this?” As believers, we often expect that our faith should shield us from suffering. But the Christian life was never promised to be easy – instead, it is one of transformation through trials. Pain is not a sign of God’s absence but often the clearest evidence of His refining work in us.
We may see suffering as punishment or misfortune, but in God’s eyes, adversity is often preparation. Without it, our relationship with Him would remain shallow. It’s through trials that we truly learn to lean on His strength and not our own.
The Apostle Paul knew adversity intimately. In 2 Corinthians 11:23-30, he lists the hardships he endured: imprisonments, beatings, stonings, shipwrecks, dangers from every side, and the burdens of hunger, sleeplessness, and exposure. Yet, Paul did not see these experiences as failures or divine neglect. Rather, he saw them as moments where Christ’s power was most visible in his weakness.
Paul’s suffering wasn’t meaningless. It was evidence of his genuine walk with Christ. His trials became a testimony – not of personal strength, but of God’s sustaining grace. Through adversity, Paul discovered the sufficiency of Christ.
If our faith is never tested, it remains theory, not transformation. It’s in suffering that the truths of Scripture become real. It’s where we apply what we’ve read, and where we discover that God is not just a concept, but a present help in trouble.
As Christians, we must begin to see adversity not as an interruption to our faith, but as its proving ground. Like gold in the fire, we are refined by difficulty.
Three Truths to Hold in the Storm:
- Faith – Adversity deepens our reliance on God. It teaches us to trust in His promises, even when circumstances seem contrary.
- Prayer – Trials drive us to our knees. In prayer, we seek God’s wisdom, strength, and presence – and we find that He is always nearby.
- Obedience – Trusting God means following Him, even when we don’t understand the path. Our obedience in suffering becomes an act of worship.
Brethren, the Bible was written not just to inform us, but to strengthen us, especially when life is hard. In Christ, no pain is wasted. Adversity is not the absence of God’s love; it is often the furnace where His love burns brightest.
The next time you find yourself asking, “Why me?”, remember: your trial is not random. God is at work – shaping, strengthening, and revealing Himself to you in ways comfort never could.
Prayer
Father, thank You for being close to the brokenhearted. When trials come, help us see them as opportunities to grow in faith and to know You more deeply. Teach us to trust, to pray, and to obey – even in the storm. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Read: James 1:2-3; Revelation 2:10
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 17:25-28; Proverbs 18:1-6; Romans 8:1-17; Hosea 8; Hosea 9