Why me?

I think we have all asked ourselves ‘why me?’ on several occasions for many different reasons not just health related but in all areas of life. Other life questions may include:

• ‘Why do good/innocent people die young?’
• ‘Why is there famine in the world?’
• ‘Why do natural disasters happen?’
• ‘He’s such a good person, why does he have to suffer with this illness?’
• ‘If God is so good then why does he allow suffering?’

This list can go on and on forever.  Infact we could be here all day asking

• ‘Why this?’  
• ‘Why that?’
• ‘It’s not fair’

I have on many occasions have said and have had the following thoughts:

• ‘Why me? Why do I have to suffer from eczema?’
• ‘That person eats badly, they drink and smoke and their skin is perfect. Why do I have to watch what I eat?’
• ‘God, why can’t I be healed from this condition? I’ve prayed many times and have done good to serve you and others so what more do I have to do?’

So why do I have eczema? Did I do something really bad in the past?  Am I just unlucky or unfortunate? Have I been punished by God?

Since becoming a Christian I have learnt over time that there are some things in life in which we can question, debate and talk about for ages, but will not get any answers. I do not have the answers on why I have eczema or for any of the questions listed above. However, what I have learnt is that sometimes we end up having weaknesses for a reason:

2 Corinthians 12: 8-9  

⁸ Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. ⁹ Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/2CO.12.8-9.nlt

Eczema is a visible weakness that I have and as hard as it may sound having this condition has helped me to do things differently and I have become a better person. I have been able to work out and identify certain foods that have affected me. I have changed my eating habits for example limiting wheat, dairy and sugar (well OK as much as I can. I still have a sweet tooth and love carbs!). I also know that environmental factors such as cold, damp or dry air can trigger the eczema. I have learnt that some people are understanding and supportive and others are not. I have also had to overcome a lot of things from insensitive comments to moving house due to rejection!

I have been able to work on my calling and launch my own blog. Due to being given grace, I can talk about my weakness and share this with other people in order to help others. If I did not have this condition I would have no stories to share, no advice to offer and would not be able to help anyone.

By blogging to date, I have identified how much I have grown as a person over the years. I have learnt overtime the best ways of handling eczema physically, mentally and emotionally. I am not perfect and I’m still learning along the way. Blogging at times can make me emotional as it brings back bad memories but now I can now see how far I’ve become.

So next time you ask yourself ‘why me?’ pause, take the time to reflect and try to identify any advantages of having certain weaknesses/illness. Not only may it help you to become stronger it may also help others who have similar weaknesses to become stronger. Finally, by helping others you can all support each other by going through the difficulties and challenges together!