Year of the Bible: Part Seven of TwelveSample

Mystery

God knows how to lead, guide, and provide grace for every situation.

When we read a book like Job, it is tempting to try and solve every problem we encounter in the story. We run up against questions like, "Why do bad things like this happen to good people like Job?" Or, "If God is so good, why did He allow these horrible things to happen?" Or maybe a statement like this helps a person rationalize what unfolds in Job: "Maybe God is good, but He is incapable of preventing situations like this or helping people out of them when they do happen."

As believers, we must allow room for the mystery of God. We will encounter times of tension in God's story when we cannot reconcile what we know and believe about God with what we see unfolding.

Throughout his entire book, Job made nine speeches to his friends, each claiming that his suffering came from God and that he was righteous before Him. Job was right about that; he had done nothing to deserve what he was experiencing. And this point is essential to understand: in the same way, Jesus was faultless yet suffered while He lived on earth.

Suffering is unavoidable but, when journeyed with Jesus, produces depth, peace, and awe.

Job didn't need answers; he needed friendship. When you encounter suffering in your life or the lives of others, first ask the Father what He wants to do at that moment, and do that. If you resist the urge to solve the discomfort, you will find deeper places of relationship with God and others.

Question: Do you run away from, ignore, or try and fix painful situations in the lives of others?

Prayer: Jesus, give me a spirit of wisdom and understanding to trust You when things are going well and to be a true friend to others when things aren't going well. Teach me to be quiet and still and to speak, when necessary. In Jesus' name, Amen!