Ever wonder if it’s okay to ask God why? Maybe you’ve asked, ‘Why not me, God?’ or ‘Why isn’t my life the way I imagined?’ I’ve been there too, and I want to encourage you with what the Bible says about questioning God and why it’s okay to bring your ‘why’ questions to Him.

Christian woman praying and reflecting on life's journey at sunset – asking God why.

Struggling with the “Why not me, God?” questions? Watch this video for encouragement on how to trust God’s timing and focus on the path He has for you.

Table of Contents – You are welcome to use the links below to skip to the content that interests you most.

Why Not Me, God? Understanding the Struggles and Questions We All Have

We all have those “why” moments. “Why can’t I be successful like her?” or “Why don’t I have the family or life I thought I’d have?” 

Maybe you’re even asking, “Why can’t I go on a vacation like them?” It’s natural to compare ourselves to others, but here’s the good news—it’s okay to ask God why.

When life feels hard, or you feel like you’re being left behind, the Bible shows us that God wants us to bring our questions to Him.

It’s okay to ask, “Why me, God?” as long as we approach Him with respect.

What Does the Bible Say About Asking God Why? Bible Verses for Encouragement

So, what does the Bible say about asking God ‘why’? Can you question God when life feels tough?

The Bible is clear that God invites us to bring our doubts and concerns to Him. Here are a few Bible verses that can encourage us when we feel like asking, “Why me, Lord?”

  • “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

These verses remind us that God cares about our concerns and wants us to talk to Him about everything, including our “why” questions. Whether it’s about our personal struggles, our faith, or why we feel stuck, God is there to listen.

Even Jesus’ Disciples Asked ‘Why?’ – You’re Not Alone in Your Questions

You’re not the only one asking God “why!” Here’s some great news: even Jesus’ disciples asked “why.” 

As I walk through life, it comforts me to know that others, especially those that were closest to Jesus, have walked through similar situations and asked the same tough questions. It’s a reminder that I’m not alone in my struggles—and neither are you.

Jesus’ Disciples Were Ordinary People, Just Like Us

Jesus’ disciples were ordinary people, just like you and me. They had flaws, insecurities, and even jealousy toward one another. They weren’t perfect, and they certainly didn’t always understand what Jesus was doing.

But despite all of this, Jesus chose them to be His closest friends and part of His inner circle. This gives me so much hope, and I hope it does for you too, knowing that if He could use them, He can use us.

John 21: A Relatable Moment with Peter

One of the most relatable moments comes in John 21, when Jesus and Peter are walking along the beach after a miraculous catch of fish. Jesus had just filled their boats to overflowing and cooked them breakfast. Peter, noticing John—the “disciple whom Jesus loved”—following them, asked, “What about him, Lord?”

Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” (John 21:22)

At first glance, this might seem confusing. But when we take a closer look, we see that Jesus is really telling Peter, “Stay in your lane.” Peter was more concerned about what was happening in John’s life instead of focusing on his own journey. Sound familiar? We all do this—get caught up in comparing our lives to others and wondering, “Why not me, God?”

Jesus Calls Us to Focus on Our Own Journey

Jesus gently reminded Peter that his focus should be on following Him, not on what’s going on around him or in other people’s lives.

It’s easy to look at others and wonder why their lives seem better or more blessed, but God calls us to pay attention to our own lives and trust that He’s guiding us exactly where we need to be.

Much like Peter, we can get distracted by the lives of others. But God invites us to keep our eyes on Him, follow His lead, and trust that He has a plan for us, even when it doesn’t look the way we expected.

 

Christian woman walking on a gravel path, trusting God’s plan despite uncertainty.

Remember to Keep Your Focus on God and the Path He Has for YOU!

Instead of focusing on your friend’s bank account, family, or business (or any of the many other things we tend to compare ourselves to), remember to focus on following Jesus and the path He has planned for your life.

There have been so many times when I’ve asked the “why not me, God” questions, which caused me to lose sight of the path God has for me. Like Peter, I’ve been blinded as I looked all around instead of focusing on my own life. But in those times, especially, the Lord is asking me to follow Him.

He’s asking me to focus on the path He’s given me—no matter how bleak it looks, no matter how tough it is. He’s asking me to follow Him wherever He leads. And He’s asking you to do the same!

His path and plan are perfect. It might not look perfect right now, but I promise that it is. If you’re asking the “why not me, God” question, He’s asking you to trust Him.

Why Is Everyone Else Moving Forward While I’m Standing Still?

Have you ever felt like Jesus has forgotten about you while everyone else is sprinting ahead? Can you relate? Here’s the truth: 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.” – Beth Moore, The Quest Bible Study

Even though others might have more money, bigger businesses, or the “perfect” family, there’s one thing they can never have more of than you, and that’s Jesus. We all have the same amount of Him—all of Him.

No one gets more access to God than you. No one is more loved or cherished. You have all of Jesus you need! Let that truth sink in.

Do This the Next Time You Want To Ask God Why

When you’re ready to ask, “Why not me, God?” take a moment to pause and remember what Jesus said to Peter: “You must follow me.” Let that sink in.

Instead of getting caught up in comparing your life to others, ask God to help you stay focused on your path.

When you focus on following Jesus, it changes everything. It’s a game-changer, friend!

God’s plan for you is better than anything you could imagine.

FAQs

Why Does God Allow Some People To Succeed While Others Struggle?

It can feel frustrating when you see others succeed while you’re still waiting for things to fall into place. But know that God’s timing is perfect, and He has a unique purpose for your life, just as He does for everyone else. In Isaiah 55:8-9, God reminds us, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.“

God sees the bigger picture, and He is working behind the scenes in ways we don’t always understand. Instead of focusing on others’ successes, spend time praying and asking God to reveal His purpose for you. Trust that He has a perfect plan in mind, even when it doesn’t seem clear right now.

How Do I Trust God’s Plan When I Feel Stuck or Left Behind?

When you feel stuck or left behind, it can be hard to trust that God is still working in your life. The Bible offers a powerful reminder in Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

This means trusting God even when you don’t understand the situation. Instead of relying on your own judgment, choose to trust that God’s plan is better than anything you can imagine. When you feel stuck, pause and pray, asking God to help you surrender your worries. Trust that He is guiding you, even when the path seems unclear.

Why Is It Hard to Trust God When Things Aren’t Going My Way?

It’s easy to doubt when things aren’t going the way you expected, but even in those tough times, God is working behind the scenes for your good. Romans 8:28 reminds us: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

This verse shows us that God is always working things out for us, even when we don’t see it. When you’re feeling uncertain, pause, reflect, and pray for the trust to lean on God’s plan, even if it’s hard to see the bigger picture.

If this was helpful in helping you wrap your brain around your ‘why’ questions, you might also enjoy this encouragement for Christian women: