Battling the Why Me's

Tuesday, November 10th, 2015     by Robin Luftig     8 Comments

American President Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882 - 1945) poses with his dog Fala and a young girl named Ruthie Bie (later Ruth Bautista) on the porch at Top Cottage, Hyde Park, New York, February 1941. Bie was the granddaughter of the property caretaker, and the photo is one of only two that show Roosevelt in his wheelchair. (Photo by Margaret Suckley/PhotoQuest/Getty Images)

American President Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882 – 1945) poses with his dog Fala and a young girl named Ruthie Bie (later Ruth Bautista) on the porch at Top Cottage, Hyde Park, New York, February 1941. Bie was the granddaughter of the property caretaker, and the photo is one of only two that show Roosevelt in his wheelchair. (Photo by Margaret Suckley/PhotoQuest/Getty Images)


Life sometimes don’t turn out as we plan. It begins uneventful enough, just as we think it should. No ripples. No bumps in the road. Smooth sailings all the way. Then on a dime, something happens to change the trajectory forever. Joni Eareckson-Tada dove into shallow water and broker her neck, leaving her a quadriplegic. At the height of his popularity, Franklin D. Roosevelt was stricken with polio. When Bethany Hamilton was fourteen, she took her surfboard to catch a few waves and was attacked by a shark, losing her arm.
When tragedy happens, our lives–and faith–can be rocked.  How could a loving God let this happen? Why did this have to happen to me?
When tragedy strikes—and it visits many—it helps to remember the heart of God. His word says:
He knew us before we were born (“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” Psalm 139:13).
That he has plans for us (“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11).
But most importantly, it’s okay if we don’t understand (“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. Isaiah 55:8).
Joni, FDR and Bethany’s lives were changed in a breath. But each have been blessed beyond measure. It might not have been their plan, but God gave them the grace and blessings to travel the journey.
And if you’re taking a journey you didn’t plan, God has grace enough for you, too.

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8 Comments

    The Conversation

  1. Myrna Folkert says:
    November 19, 2015 at 12:32 pm

    I like this. Everyone’s always asking why bad things happen to good people. Grace to endure.

    • Robin Gilbert Luftig says:
      November 19, 2015 at 12:56 pm

      Thanks, Myrna. Pain and lass are so difficult to understand when you’re in the middle of them. But God’s always good and always loves us. Thanks for finding your way here! I look forward to more comments from you. 🙂
      Blessings,
      Robin

  2. Sharon Blackstock Dobbs says:
    November 12, 2015 at 10:43 am

    This is the story of my journey. Ultimately, what do you want me to learn, Lord and what do you want me to share? Thank you for your page.

    • Robin Gilbert Luftig says:
      November 12, 2015 at 11:00 am

      We all have our journeys, right? Sometimes our first responsibility is to see that. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment. I appreciate that you’re joining my journey.
      Hugs, Robin

  3. Vicki says:
    November 12, 2015 at 12:13 am

    Good word

  4. kathryneann says:
    November 10, 2015 at 11:40 am

    Indeed. Grace to endure. Grace to persevere. Grace to be optimistic in spite of circumstances. Our human tendency is to question why. A better question is … What do you want me to see in this, Lord. Good post.

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