Growth Points

Growth Points

Psalm 9:1 (NLT®)

I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done.

“Why me?” I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard that question from people who are so angry over something that has happened to them that they have withdrawn from God completely. They think they have been treated unfairly or been visited with something they didn’t deserve, and they might be right. I’m all for evaluation, diagnostics, and understanding the place you’re in, but there comes a point when “Why me?” is not helpful. We live in a fallen, sinful world. Pain and injustice touch every life. I’ve found that what happens to us isn’t nearly as important as what happens within us. Great challenges should not distance us from God. Great challenges should send us to our knees in humility and gratitude for a God who not only blesses us but promises to walk with us through everything that comes. In fact, great challenges are the very things that grow our dependence on the Lord and qualify us to be agents of tremendous usefulness in His Kingdom.

THINK ABOUT IT

If you’re stuck in the “Why me?” pit, begin to place your trust in God even when you don’t understand the “why.” Then, begin to focus on all the times and ways He has blessed you. Those are “Why me?” questions, too!

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, forgive me for when self-pity controlled my response to trials instead of praising You for Your mercy, grace, and goodness. Help me begin to consistently view challenges as opportunities for You to bless and me to grow. In Jesus’ name, amen.