Why Not Me?

“Why not me?” That question has repeatedly rung in my head. It was a resounding question in my life before I became a Christian, and, if I’m not careful, even now. “Why not me?” is like a weed in the garden of my spirit, showing up in multiple areas. It tends to blend in at first, but when I catch it early, it is easily uprooted. However, if I don’t maintain my garden, that weed will try to come back and take over.

When you allow a spirit of, “Why not me?” to show up, it rears its ugly head in your finances, relationships, job, church, school–wherever it can. You’ll see God provide for someone financially in a major way and think, “Why hasn’t God sent me money like that?” If you’re single, from your front-row seat on social media it may seem like   everyone is getting engaged and married, and you think, “Why have I not found someone yet?” Maybe you compare yourself to people at work or school and wonder why your boss or teachers don’t favor you. Or at church you ask yourself, “Why didn’t I receive the gift of leading worship?”

There’s always an opportunity to compare yourself to others, and a reason to be ungrateful. But God does not desire that we dwell there. It only encourages pride, deepens our dissatisfaction, and causes distrust towards God. A spirit of, “Why not me?” says that God has not done enough. It says that others have received something that we should have received, as well. Children who have siblings are known for asking, “Why do THEY get [that], and not ME?” In that case, although the parent usually has an answer, children are not concerned about the parent’s reason; they just want their way.

I would venture to say that we sometimes ask that same question in our prayer time with God, and might not always be so interested in His reasons, as much as getting our way. That spirit is the same spirit that Eve had in the garden when she felt that God was withholding something from her that she should have, (Genesis 3). As a result of not trusting God, Eve took it upon herself to get what she wanted, and was cursed. Of the many trees in the garden, God had purposed that Adam and Eve could eat from all but one. His reasons were good and just. But, instead of being thankful for everything God had already provided, Eve saw only what she lacked. Thus, she allowed unthankfulness and distrust to sneak into her heart. Suddenly, the weed of, “Why not me?” took root in the Garden.

When you choose to look at what you don’t have, instead of what you do have, and compare yourself to others, an unthankful spirit begins to move in. When you are unthankful, you no longer trust God’s goodness and faithfulness in your life. This can lead you down a path of pride, negativity, and bitterness that will eventually destroy any joy you once had. God’s will for you is one of joy and satisfaction that can be found only in Him. His desire is that no matter where you are, or what you have, your fulfillment will come from Him, and Him alone. He has given you everything that you’ll ever need, and then some.

No, you will not have everything that everyone else has, nor get what you want when you want it, but trust God despite that. Trust that He is providing for you in such a way as to cause growth and maturity in you, and bring Him glory. You have not been forgotten. You have not been placed out of sight. God sees you and knows your situation. He loves you, and has you in the palm of His hand. Trust Him, thank Him, and watch how uprooting the, “Why not me?” in your life, helps to create a healthier, humbler, more positive mindset.