Day 17 - Why Me?

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." - Original Source Unknown

It seems the question "Why Me?" could be asked from two different angles. The first motive arises from a sense of inadequacy. The thought process might sound something like this:

"Evangelism feels too important and weighty for someone like me. He must not have been talking directly to me. Maybe He intended this calling for the Super Christian - the one who has known Jesus way longer, or memorized at least half of the Bible, has a degree, or went to ministry school. Certainly, I’m not the one supposed to do this. It's for someone with the right personality, boldness, time, desire…"

The second motive for asking this question is one that many of us can relate to - the lack of desire:

"Why does it need to be me? This isn't something I want to do. Can't someone else who feels called to this do it? Shouldn't I feel excited to do it if I am called to this?" The beauty is that God answers our deepest questions in simple ways: "For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose." - Philippians 2:13

If these words are the infallible word of the Lord, then it means that regardless of our feelings, talents, abilities, or wants, if we surrender ourselves to the Father, we find ourselves giving over our will and actions to Him. He will work in us to help us act according to His purpose. The requirement for us? Availability - not talent or desire, but simply making ourselves available, like "living sacrifices" for His fire to consume

(Rom. 12:1). When we lay ourselves down as a sacrifice on the altar; Our flesh cannot get up and walk away from His call because it’s already been put to death.

After we lay our lives down, the narrative changes. Here's what it sounds like to answer "Why Me?" from a position of surrender.

Why me? Because my testimony of redemption is a picture of the Gospel; His grace transformed me. I carry this grace, and it must be shared.

"So that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God." - 2 Corinthians 4:15

Why me? Because He has empowered me to do His will.

"This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out His commands. In fact, this is love for God: to keep His commands. And His commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that

overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God." - 1 John 5:2-5

Why me? Because He wills for His Good News to be given to the world today!

"Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, 'Come back tomorrow and I'll give it to you' - when you already have it with you." - Proverbs 3:27-28