Why Is THis Happening To Me

Return To Article Page

Hosted By

Come Now; Let Us Reason Together

We normally say the phrase “Why is this happening to me?” when we are experiencing some form of distress, pain, sorrow, or grief. We are questioning as to why we are on the receiving end of trouble. If we take an objective look at our lives, in some cases, we can see why we are in a particular distress situation. A person with lung cancer may link it to their years of smoking. The automobile crash may be linked to someone being drunk while driving. However, there are far more cases where we just don’t know why some calamity has befallen us. We assume that our actions or inactions have some bearing of what we are enduring. We assume that if we have been reasonably good, we expect good things to happen to us. If we have been immoral, we expect bad things to happen to us. Isn’t that how God set it up? Well, not exactly.

In the biblical book named after a man called Job (pronounced Jōb), which happens to be my favorite book of the bible, he suffers a string of unfortunate events. His oxen are stolen; his sheep are burned; his camels are raided, and his children are killed, all in the same day (chapter 1: 13-19). It is ironic that the book begins with God describing Job as “a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil” (verse 8). With a character reference from God, you would think no trouble should or could come Job’s way. However, not only did he suffer those events, a short time later Job was struck with painful health issues. Talk about bad luck.

Although the book of Job is an excellent reference of human suffering and how we question “Why is this happening to me?”, there is another equally valid reason. This reason is the polar opposite of pain, suffering, and grief. I’m talking about when life is good, blessings are flowing, and all is right in your world. We may link our good employment to our hard fought educational achievements. We may link our strong financial portfolio to sound investments. We may link our selection of a good spouse to the years of kissing frogs. However, there are numerous occasions where we may wonder “why is this good thing happening to me?” That's where I am. I’m puzzled as to why God has chosen to bless me. I’m puzzled why I have been blessed with good health, an excellent job, a good home, wonderful family, etc. It’s certainly not because I have been “good”, because I have not and am not. Although I believe my sin percentage is down, it remains disgraceful to a God who is 100% holy and commands me to be 100% holy. I remain light years away from reaching the high mark in Christ Jesus. Nevertheless, in spite of this, God continues to show me favor. Why? Why? Why?

The answer to “Why is this (bad or good things) happening to me?” is found in the character attribute of God called “Sovereignty”. Sovereignty is defined as supreme authority, or self-government. God operates according to His own will and counsel and governs all in creation. In short, God answers to no one. Why is this? God is the only being that is responsible for his own existence. Everyone and everything was brought into being by someone or something else.

Let’s take a detailed work at the title. Although, when I attended grade school, I never could understand why we had to learn the parts of speech. It seemed a complete waste of time (only recess, gym, and lunch were important). Now, I see the immense value. So, bear with me as I break down the title into its grammatical parts of speech. I believe it will reveal a divine truth that will deepen our understanding. First, let me restructure the title into a non standard but grammatical correct form. Let’s state it as, “This is happening to me, why?

The parts of speech are, This (subject) is happening (verb/predicate) to (preposition) me, (direct object) why? (adverb). Notice that the person asking the question “me” is not the subject of the sentence. “Me” is the direct object. The direct object is that which is acted upon by the subject “this”. The subject “this” is whatever is affecting you. However, the “this” is brought about by God. Therefore, although we (humans) are active beings and exercise self-will, we are not the subject of the plan of God, but we are objects. We are ultimately acted upon by the grand plan of God, which is designed for one central purpose, to bring Him Glory.

Let’s return to Job. He lost everything and his body is covered with sores. Job’s friends insist that he must have sinned and God was punishing him. Job defended himself as blameless and righteous, a fact God validated. Then, when Job accuses God of being indifferent to his complaint, God answered; “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Dress for action like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to me. “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone…?” (Job 38:2-7, ESV).

I recall when I was going through a dreadful time in my life that I questioned God’s justice. Like Job, I declared that I was living right and it was unfair that I suffer. I also knew a thing or two about God’s promises, so I began to remind God of his obligation to help me when I ask in faith. God answered me with the same gut punch he gave Job. God asked me, “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?” That one question was enough for me to come to the same conclusion that Job did.

“Then Job answered the Lord and said: “Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer you? I lay my hand on my mouth. I have spoken once, and I will not answer; twice, but I will proceed no further.” (Job 40:3-5, ESV)

In others words, Job and I came to the conclusion that we are creatures and God is Creator. We are simply clay objects fashioned by the Great Potter.

I close with this principle. Our praise of God should never cease in whatever condition we find ourselves. Whatever good or bad is occurring in your life, and no matter who or what is causing it, remember you are only a direct object and ultimately the subject that is acting upon you is God.

Why Is This Happening To Me?