Are you wondering if it’s okay to ask God why? Be encouraged by what He taught me, and also hear what the Bible has to say about our why questions.

woman sitting in grassy field watching sunset - why not me God

Why not me, God? Why can’t I be successful like her? Why can’t my kids act like hers? Why doesn’t my family have as much money as theirs? Why can’t we go on a vacation like that? 

We have all kinds of why questions for the Lord, but is it okay to ask God why?

Friend, I wholeheartedly believe that the Lord wants us to bring our questions and concerns to Him.

When we come to Him with a posture of respect I believe that He is totally fine with us asking why.

As I was asking the Lord a why not me question recently, this is what He showed me. I pray that it will encourage you as it did me!

Encouragement When You Wonder If It’s Okay To Ask God Why

What does the Bible say about asking God why?

There’s no doubt about it, God wants a relationship with His children. These Bible verses remind us how important it is to bring our questions, doubts, and concerns before God.

  • “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
  • “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
  • “Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” – Psalm 62:8

As Christ followers, these verses encourage us to bring our concerns, questions, and requests to God. We can trust that He hears us and cares about the things that concern us.

You’re not the only one asking God why!

Here’s the great news, friend…even Jesus’ disciples asked why.

I don’t know about you but as I’m on this journey of life it comforts me to know that others have walked through similar situations, asked the same questions, or even felt the same way. This always reminds me that I’m not alone.

I’m happy to report that we’re not alone with our “why not me” questions because Jesus’ disciples asked them too!

Jesus’ closest friends were ordinary people just like you and me.

Don’t you just love that Jesus chose 12 disciples who were ordinary, imperfect, run of the mill men just like you and me.

The Disciples had flaws, insecurities, were jealous of each other and even fought with each other. Knowing all of this He chose to do life with them and let them be part of His inner circle. I don’t know about you but that gives me hope and reminds me that He can use me too!

In John 21, Jesus is talking to Peter. He had just performed the miracle of filling their boats to overflowing with fish, cooked them breakfast and now He and Peter are walking and talking on the beach.

Peter asked, “What about him Lord?” (He noticed that John, “the disciple Jesus loved,” was following them).

The Lord replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return what is that to you. You must follow me.“

In essence, stay in your lane, Peter, is what Jesus told him

At first glance this verse makes me wonder what they’re talking about, but it becomes clearer as we hone in on the part where Jesus says, “What is that to you? You must follow me.“

Much like you and me, Peter was more worried about what was going on in John’s life instead of his own.

Jesus reminded Peter that instead of looking at the things going on around him and (other people’s business) that he needed to pay attention to what was going on in his own life and focus on following Him.

He has the same message for you and me when we want to ask the why questions!

feet walking on a gravel path

Remember to keep your focus on God and the path He has for YOU!

Instead of focusing on your friend’s bank account, family, business (or a myriad of other things) focus on following Jesus and his plan for your life.

There have been so many times in my life when I start to ask the “why not me, God” questions which cause me to lose sight of the path God has for me. Like Peter, I’m blinded as I look all around instead of where I need to be looking…my own life.

It’s in these times especially that the Lord is asking me to follow Him.

He’s asking me to focus on the path that He’s given to me…

…no matter how bleak it looks

…no matter how ugly it is

…no matter how hard it is.

He’s asking me to follow Him wherever He leads.

And He’s asking you to do the same, friend!

His path and plan is perfect…it might not look like it right now…but I promise that it is.

Right now if you’re asking a “why not me God” question, He’s asking you to trust Him!

But why is everyone else moving forward while I’m standing still?

Oftentimes, I feel like Jesus has forgotten about me and left me behind while everyone else is sprinting ahead. Can you relate?

Here’s some good news for you, friend, and a reminder that the Lord sees you and hasn’t forgotten you.

“No matter what anyone has that you don’t have, no one gets to have more of Jesus than you.”

I love this snippet from Beth Moore’s Bible Study The Quest because it pairs perfectly with this passage.

Much like it does for you and me, the ‘ole jealousy bug had rared its ugly head in Peter’s life and he felt like Jesus had forgotten all about him.

But here’s the truth, He hadn’t forgotten about Peter and He hasn’t forgotten about you either.

Your friends might have all the money in the world and their business might be booming. They might have what looks like the perfect family or life. But even with all of that going for them, there’s one thing they can never have more of than you and that’s Jesus!

We each have the same amount of Jesus…all of Him!

Beth goes on to say, “No one gets to have more of Jesus than you. No one gets to have more access to God than you. No is more loved or cherished. No one gets to worship him more; enjoy him more; savor his words more; trust him more; sing to him more or receive more of his warmth and comfort.”

Let that sink in my sister. You have all of Jesus you need!

Do this the next time you want to ask God why.

The next time you want to ask “why not me, God,” I want you to change your mindset.

Instead of getting caught up in thinking about yourself, pondering this or that situation and asking the “why not me” questions let the words of John 21:22 fill your heart and soul.

“You must follow me.”

The Lord wants you to follow Him, so change your thoughts from “why not me, God” to “follow me.”

Will you join me in seeking the Lord and focusing on what He wants to do in our life instead of focusing on those around us?! I have no doubt that as we begin to do this that it will be a game changer for us!

If this was helpful in helping you wrap your brain around your why not me God questions, you might also enjoy this encouragement for Christian women: