I was recently watching an interview with Alan Robertson’s wife, Lisa, talking about a cancer diagnosis. She said something that has stuck with me: “My first response was to ask “Why me? But then I thought about it, and I asked, “Why not me?” Contrast that to a health and wealth preacher’s wife who recently came on stage saying (paraphrased) “God is not honored when you’re sick and diseased.” In praying over some friends and loved ones in the church who have been suffering lately, I began to wonder, what is the Biblical perspective on this?
In John 9, Jesus’ disciples ask him about a man they saw who was born blind. They ask him who sinned, the man or his parents, that this should happen to him. Jesus’ response is telling: Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.” (John 9:3) This led me further to consider everyone who Jesus healed: all of their healings were temporary. Lazarus is no longer with us, everyone who Jesus healed eventually died. Yet, because of our temporary condition (you know, life), we’re so concerned with our welfare, our health, our housing, our stomachs, our clothing, and so much more. What if every one of our circumstances, yes, even cancer, even the loss of a home or loved one, would give glory to God. After all, doesn’t Paul say that God uses all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose? So, shouldn’t we, then, mourn, as is appropriate, weep, as is appropriate (there is, after all, a season and a time for everything under heaven, Ecclesiastes 3), but also rejoice in God and His goodness, even when our situation is dire?
I’d say the answer is definitely yes. Paul tells us to rejoice in every situation, and that means always. And why do we rejoice? Because we’re trusting God with the outcome. If we live, we live for the Lord. If we die, we go home to be with Him. If we gain, we gain for the Lord. If we lose, He will provide. In any and every circumstance, God gets the glory, and He gets it most when we place our trust in Him, giving control, even to the point of death, so that He will forever and always gain the glory for every and all circumstances we may find ourselves in. God gained glory from Jesus’ life, but we share in that Glory because of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection. And if God, who did not spare His own Son from suffering, gloried in and gave Glory to Christ because of His obedience in every circumstance, won’t he do the same in our own life and even in our suffering and death? So let us trust God. Let us not ask “why me,” but instead say, “Why not me, Lord? I trust you.”
Philippians 4
Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.
I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
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