Have you ever been tempted to ask the age-old question, “Why me?”
Has the Holy Spirit within you ever prompted you to ask in return, “Why NOT me?”
I recently had an interesting personal experience that some would see as somewhat catastrophic. I’ll tell the story here, but suffice it to say, the Lord has provided that “peace that passes understanding”, by His grace (Phil 4:6-7).
The Story Continues
In the last episode of “Manna From My Father’s Hand”, called “What are You Offering?”, the Body of Christ was the main focus, and what each of us brings to the table to build each other up as God’s building.
It is so fascinating that on the day that podcast episode was published, we had a worship team rehearsal later that evening.
I realized during rehearsal that one of the songs we were practicing for the upcoming Sunday was the SAME song that had served as the basis for the time of spontaneous worship that was highlighted in that episode. (If you missed it, here is a direct link to the video so you can catch up).
It was interesting that the time of worship and words that were spoken in that episode were from MONTHS before, and now the same man (Dave) was going to be with us singing the same song on the coming Sunday!
If you recall, he had spoken in that episode about how important it is for us to be thankful for the many gifts God has given us. Hands and feet that function; eyes that can see; ears that can hear. So many incredible gifts from above.
So during rehearsal I told him that he played a fairly major role in my recently released blog/podcast episode.
Why Not You?
His response: “Why me?” As if to wonder why he would have that honor.
My response back: “Why NOT you?”
When rehearsal ended, I mentioned that I was singing down at the Jersey Shore the next day and planned to see them all on Sunday.
Now this is where it gets really interesting from my perspective.
Sweet Melodies for the Audience of One
The concert at the Shore was sweet and beautiful. Not many people were in the “pavilion” that day because it was a GORGEOUS day and the beach beckoned more than the shade of the pavilion. People strolled by on the boardwalk and would listen for a while. Those who were there were blessed, and I was also, because it was in many ways mostly aimed at the “Audience of One” (Jesus) to Whom my heart sings daily.
Thankfully, my husband had recorded it, so there is some video footage I’ll be sharing down the road, Lord willing.
Later in this episode I want to share one of the more poignant songs from that day, so stick around for that. (I’ve shared a snippet of it in a reel recently, but this video is of the whole song.)
After I sang, we headed to town to get a bite to eat before we would head home.
Life Altering Moments
You know those times in your life when things change suddenly (for better or worse), and you look back at the moments leading up to it almost as if in slow motion?
I’ve replayed and examined it in my mind many times now, and the things that likely contributed to it were as follows. We were somewhat tired, hungry and likely dehydrated. We crossed the street (NOT at a crosswalk) to head down the opposite side of the street. I was probably walking pretty quickly in an attempt to keep up with my husband.
What I know for SURE is that my foot didn’t quite clear the curb (which felt way higher than a typical curb) and suddenly I was heading toward the sidewalk, trying to break my fall and roll with it. That sidewalk felt excessively scratchy and rough. Not that I’m a sidewalk connoisseur, LOL. I think because I was wearing shorts, the pain was immediate as my knee became skinned and bloodied.
I rolled onto my back and hit my head as my tumble ended.
I lay there stunned for a while, realizing it was probably wise to not move until assessing the situation. Finally, I got up and some of the store owners were kind enough to bring me water, let me wash my wounds a little and use an ice pack.
Normally, that would be the type of thing where I’d just brush myself off and go on. However, both of my hands were hurting, having broken my fall and absorbed the brunt of the impact, and the left one didn’t feel or look right.
It hurt more than normal, and wasn’t moving readily either. My hunch was that it might have broken. I remember uttering a simple quiet prayer as I later stood on the sidewalk thinking, “Lord, I’m really going to need You for this”. Not that I don’t ALWAYS need Him, but sometimes that need is more “in your face”.
At that point, we decided to skip getting a meal and head home. By this time, it was late afternoon with rush hour traffic beginning to pick up on the Garden State Parkway, so it took us quite a while to get back to our area (which is already a long drive from the shore).
We decided to go to the ER when we got closer to home. And after several tests, it turned out that my head was fine (PTL), and that my right hand didn’t have anything broken, but that yes, my left wrist was indeed fractured.
His Plan or Mine?
Stunning indeed for a guitarist to break a wrist. So many questions. Is it possible to regain function after this type of injury? Does He have plans for me to head in a different direction? Too early to ask such things of course, and my heart remained (and remains) content knowing that none of this has escaped His watchful eye. None of it has been written into my “story” without the intention of the Author of Life. None of this throws a curve-ball at Him. In fact, there are purposes in this that only He knows about at this point.
I can see glimmers, however. And the podcast episode that had been published just the day before this all happened resounded loudly in my spirit. So much of this recent physical experience is like a living word picture of the body of Christ in several ways. I’ll likely share about that in the next episode or two.
I had not intended for that blog/podcast episode to become a series, but this personal experience has caused me to wonder if the Lord has something like that in mind.
Over the next couple of episodes, hopefully the Lord will make clear some spiritual truths impacting the body of Christ by using my injured and recovering body to illustrate the points.
For now, I personally REALLY appreciate your prayers as I recover. As I write this, I have had surgery on my wrist and am fully trusting Jesus as to the extent and timing of my recovery. Of course I’d LOVE for it to be speedy and full (I’ll talk more about that in the next episode). At the same time, I’m not being presumptuous.
With the impressions that have already been spoken to my heart through this, the words from Psalm 45 echo in my heart as I submit to whatever He would pour though this situation to speak to your heart, whether words of encouragement, conviction or a little of both.
“My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.”
(Psalm 45:1)
It’s all too easy to lose heart when things don’t go the way that we expect. That will be explored more deeply in one of the coming episodes.
For now, may I encourage you to trust Jesus with it ALL … “the good, the bad and the ugly”?
For those who love Him and are called according to HIS purposes, He IS working it ALL things together for good (see Romans 8:28).
Directly prior to taking this tumble, my heart had been exalting Jesus in song fully and joyfully. Praise the Lord, the concert was caught on video so that some of those moments can be shared with you.
In fervent song, proclaiming “It is Well…” the words rang true. And at the end of the day, even though they are tinged with a little extra pain now, they ring even MORE profoundly true now.
Yes, it is well … it is very well with my soul, sitting at His feet, surrendered to His will and trusting His gracious provision and kind healing in my life as well as yours.
I didn’t even need to ask “Why me?” Of course … “Why NOT me?”
Here is the video of that song. I pray that you listen with abundant awareness that He holds your life in the palm of His gracious, powerful and capable hand. And if I didn’t know His hand was stronger than mine before, I sure do now!!! 😉
Lisa Prokopowitz is a Christian Singer/Songwriter, Podcaster and Blogger who seeks to lift up the name of Jesus and draw hungry hearts unto Him.
Watch the Video version of this Manna From My Father’s Hand episode here (Video premier is at 3 PM eastern on 8/21/2025–come join me in the live chat if you’re free at three!):
The podcast (Audio) version of this episode will be posted here:
https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/shining-river9/
For more encouraging Christian content:
https://manna.shiningriver.com
Join Lisa’s newsletter for encouraging, inspiring content sent directly to your inbox:
https://www.shiningriver.com/newsletter
To support Lisa’s efforts, you can send her a virtual tip here:
Dear Lisa! I pray that your wrist is mending day by day, moment by moment. Your words are precious inspiration to all God’s children going through any difficulties – His knowledge of the details and the entirety of our lives – knowing His Presence and trusting His Will – allows us to be well with our souls. Your praises are sweet music and offering to the Ears of our Savior – and a gift to all to hear and join in praise. Love you! Blessings and love always!
Thanks so much for your kind words and prayers, Debbie! Love and many blessings in Christ to you and yours. Lisa