Why me

Why I rejoice in my sufferingby Joni Eareckson Tada


Some people ask how I can smile despite a broken neck, quadriplegia, battling cancer, and chronic pain. My answer? Jesus — the Man of Sorrows. And it’s especially true on this Good Friday. Jesus was humiliated, flogged, beaten, and accused of a wrong He had never committed; He was crucified — hung up on a cross like meat on a hook. For six grueling hours, Jesus endured excruciating, harrowing pain — to the point of crying out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15; John 19; Matthew 27). And it’s on days like today, when I experience terrible pain, when I to feel like perhaps God has forgotten me — that I am reminded that I am not alone. Jesus bore abandonment by His Father, so that he might say to me, "I will never forsake you, never leave you!" It's a precious reminder for you, too, dear friend. Because whatever your hardship — whether it be chronic pain, a broken marriage, a wayward son, or a pink slip — remember that God sees your misery, He hears your cry, and He KNOWS your pain. And through Jesus Christ and the power of His Holy Spirit, you too can “rejoice in your suffering” (Romans 5). (Source: Joni Eareckson Tada)

We often ask "why me" — why am I so sick . . .  why is my marriage so crappy . . .  why is my husband unemployed . . .  why do I have to work . . .  why are we struggling financially . . .  why can't I be a full-time stay at home wife. Why me?

We have never been promised a life full of happiness, free from suffering and pain. What we have been promised is that when we do go through these hardships, Christ will be at our side. And these trails, whilst difficult and at times very stressful, are not random (nothing God does is random), they are sent to us, to draw us closer to Him, to increase our faith and trust and make us more Godly. They are in fact good for us — yes, they are just what we need to make us better stronger Christian men and women.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

And that is what it is all about. Joni Eareckson Tada, more than most of us knows what it is to suffer and even though she is a quadriplegic, battling cancer, in chronic pain and needs 24 hour care — she can see find joy. Our small often insignificant sufferings are really no comparison, and if we attempt to compare our struggles with Jesus on the cross — well, ours are nothing. He died for our sins, He knew what pain really was and He did it all for us. Lets rejoice in our suffering, lets lift our voices heavenward and sing praises to the One that endured so much.  God knows how we feel, He wipes away our tears, He knows our sadness, our grief, our misery and our struggles and He takes great care of us during these times.  

Stop saying "why me" and be like Joni  . . . instead rejoice even if life isn't going to plan. I go off to work every day and not at home where it would be perfect. I hold no grudges, instead I rejoice in all that the Lord provides as He gives so much which makes it almost criminal to say "why me". Because every time you do, you are questioning God's decision.

Trust and have faith. Just trust in the Lord and He will provide the strength you need. 

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Romans 5:1-5


Painting: Reflections by Robert Foster


Comments

  1. There are many who suffer unimaginable pain and suffering - we should be taking the time to be thankful for what we have, and looking around to see what we can do to ease other's burdens - as Joni, and many others do... A smile or small word of encouragement is often enough to make someone's day =)

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    1. A friend was telling me about a friend of hers - a nice lady who brought up three children. Sadly one has turn to a life of crime and drugs (been to prison) and its a nightmare. We both said that our little problems are nothing in comparison and sometimes we need to hear these stories of others to put ours in perspective just like the story of Joni. We do need to be encouragers and supporters of others and spend less time looking at ourselves and our problems.

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  2. Well said, love your blog. Nice balanced views, well done!

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  3. SO true! We need to be content, and thankful for everything as we are told we should do in the Scriptures. God really knows what is going on, He allows our trials and troubles and sufferings and He has a good reason for them. He also knows that if we obey and find our joy and contentment in Him, we will feel much more at peace than if we complain the whine - which is why we are encouraged to be thankful and rejoice - it really does make a difference!

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    1. :) We really are good at whinging but not very good at being content :)

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  4. I really needed to read this as I am going through a phase of not wanting to work full-time in an office anymore but instead want to be a full-time SAHM. It's not happening right now. So, I'm struggling not to wear a mopey face! Thanks for the encouragement. In fact, write more on this topic! Thanks!

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    1. I am glad this of help to you - I know the feeling but after reading all those bible verses about being joyful, grateful and thankful its so important to do these things regardless our situation. Keep smiling and praying and remember that God does work in mysterious ways :))

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