But Why Them and Not Me?

Habakkuk 2:3 – “For the vision awaits its appointed time… If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.”

In the song “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” from The Lion King, there are lines that offer profound insight into life’s most common challenges. Who knew I’d be starting a devotion with an Elton John Disney song? But here we are 😉 Stay with me.

The line I want to focus on today is: “There’s a time for everyone, if they only learn, that the twisting kaleidoscope moves us all in turn.” Read that again. Do you see the underlying theme? I’ve always felt this was about more than love between two lions. I see it as an homage to Ecclesiastes 3, which reminds us that “for everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” I don’t know if Elton John intended this connection, but there is divine beauty here—a reminder that the twisting kaleidoscope, which for this devotional represents God, moves each of us on a different schedule. And He “will have mercy on whom he will have mercy” (Romans 9:15).

For a teenager, it might look like frustration that a friend is both “popular” and pretty while they navigate an awkward stage.

For a single person in their 30s, it might feel like everyone around them is getting married while they’re still searching for their person.

For someone battling illness—perhaps even terminal—they may wonder, “Why me and not them?”

Or it could be a daily struggle with comparison, where envy, jealousy, and selfish ambition creep in. Human nature, at its core, is flawed and influenced by pride. We think we know better, that we deserve more. Every time we fall into this, we turn our backs on God.

What seems like happenstance is intentional, my sweet friend. God hasn’t forgotten you, and He isn’t taunting you by blessing others while you feel left behind. How could a perfect God do such a thing? He can’t. The faithfulness He has shown in the past assures us that He is now—and always—for you.

His perfect timing allows us to rejoice not only in our own blessings but in the blessings of others. Step back, look at the bigger picture, and celebrate someone else’s success today. Ask God to show you the beauty of His timing. Our schedules are all different, and while they aren’t always easy, they give us the freedom to rejoice. Why? Because this is about so much more than daily success. We’re talking about forever, my friend.

My Father, when I compare, lead me to trust. When I am jealous, help me to have joy for others. When I am caught up in the fleeting moments of today, remind me of Your greater purpose for me. Amen.