But God: The Power of Hope When Catastrophe Crashes InSample

Job had lost everything he knew in the blink of an eye. He became the target of ridicule and judgment. Eventually, Job began demanding answers from the Lord. Why should God allow him to suffer when he was such a strong, fervent believer? Why should anyone who worshipped God so well suffer in this way?

Job knew he was indeed a sinner—not because of his actions, but because of who he was. For his entire life up to that point, Job had served the Lord, but only in prosperous circumstances. Now Job’s faith was being truly tested. Job had no right to question God, His motives, or His purpose. Although it didn’t happen overnight, Job began to recognize that God owed him nothing. As a result of his suffering, he developed a more intimate relationship with God and a better understanding of who God truly is. He ultimately was able to declare, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord” (1:21 nkjv). . . .

Job came to understand that God can and must be trusted in life, death, and everything in-between. He alone would set His divine plan into motion and see it reach its full, intended purpose. As we often say in our home, “At the end of the day, either we trust God or we don’t.”

Prayer

Father, I worship You because I trust You in all areas of my life. I know that Your plan is best and will fulfill its purpose. Amen.