Why do bad things happen to good people?
This is a thought that comes into all of our hearts and minds when we see people who live their lives putting others first and doing good in the world and then have to endure suffering and pain. It just doesn’t seem fair? Why does God allow this to happen? Aren’t those who love the Lord supposed to be protected? Why do bad things happen to good people?
Here is a lesson that I recently learned from the book of Job.
I feel I should preface this blog with the confession that I am not a fan of the Book of Job. I’ve always found it somewhat depressing. My least favorite thing about Job’s story is how God basically turns him over to Satan. Until recently, I’m afraid I could never comprehend why God would do that to someone who was a faithful servant. I’m sure I still don’t completely understand it but I can somewhat grasp a small part of the reason why He would
I’ve been thinking about Job lately because I have some friends who are going through an extremely tough time right now to put it mildly. These friends are the kind of people we all should want to be like. They’re faithful servants of God who constantly put others first. Even though they’re in the midst of their own fire they are somehow shining a bright light for our God. The fact that they are in the middle of this storm makes me consider this
God wants us “on the J O B”
On the J O B is a saying that means doing what you’re supposed to and doing it well. When someone is on the J O B they don’t quit just because things get tough. These are some qualities of a person that is on the J O B
- Stands out to others as someone who preforming with excellence.
- Stays on task and doesn’t quit when things get hard.
- Trustworthy and doesn’t let important things fall through the cracks.
God is with us through every TRIAL
My least favorite thing about the story is my most favorite thing about Job.
God trusted him enough to let bad things happen to him.
As you may recall, the devil had been walking around the earth mostly spying on men. I imagine he had come before God to accuse men of wrongdoing. The Bible calls him our accuser. He loves to point out our failings, to us and to God. At this point in the story God Himself brings up Job. He asks Lucifer “Have you considered my servant Job?”
Job brought God glory through His suffering.
He wanted Satan to see how this human was bringing Him Glory. He says “There is none like him on earth, a blameless and upright man, and one who fears God and shuns evil.” He’s saying “he’s good people.”
Can’t you just hear the devil whining “oh sure he’s good. You’ve given him everything. Take your favor away and watch him crumble.” God says “Do what you want just don’t kill him.” I can picture that evil grin as the enemy slinks away to wreak havoc on our poor unsuspecting Job.
If you’re familiar with the story you know what happens next. It’s not pretty and yet our hero proves to be up to the task. You might even say he was on task
Job Stayed on Task
What was Job’s task? His task was the same as that of all of God’s servants; to bring God Glory. What does He require from us? Nothing! It’s all grace. What does He want from us? He wants us to bring Him Glory so that others will see and be drawn to Him too. Job was on the J.O.B. He was doing what he was created for; bringing God Glory.
Isaiah 43:7 says “Everyone who is called by My Name, Whom I have created for my Glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him.”
That includes us. We “Christians” were created and redeemed to bring God Glory. He has entrusted us with that responsibility. Yes, we often let Him down but He is faithful to forgive us when we do and gives us multiple second chances. With His help we can become trustworthy.
Job was Trustworthy
Are we? Are we the kind of Christians that God could trust with His Glory even during hard times? We all know of good people that bad things have happened to. It always bothers me to see it and yet I’m always duly impressed when those “good people” go through the fire and yet still praise God and still bring Him glory. They’re on the J O B! They are coming through for God. He says “This is my servant, I trust them.” None of us wants trouble but if there is a silver lining to hard times let it be this, God considers you trustworthy.
3 THINGS TO REMEMBER DURING TRIALs
- Remember who you are. You are a Child of God! The Lord God Almighty sent His only Son, Jesus to die on the cross for you just so He could be in a relationship with you. He loves you and wants what is best for you. The enemy loves to tell us during a storm that God doesn’t love us or He is punishing us. Don’t believe it. He is just giving you a chance to get even closer to Him as you cling to Him during your troubles.
- Remember your J. O. B. Your mission (if you choose to accept it) is to bring God Glory, make Him look good. If you fail at this He still loves you. That love should not hold us back but push us forward towards becoming shining examples of God’s grace, love and generosity for all to see. We should be generous with our time, our resources and most of all with our encouragement to others.
Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and Glorify your Father in Heaven. Mathew 5:16
3. Remember who your God is. Not only surviving but thriving during a trial is something that can only be accomplished with help from our God, the God of the Universe. Job was reminded how omnipotent God is (Job, chapters 38-41). When God’s power was revealed to him he responds by saying
“I know that you can do everything, and that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from you.” Job 42:2
When Job spoke those words and remembered in his heart who God is, his trials ended. He then prayed for his “friends” who had added insult to his injuries. When he prayed for them, God restored (even doubled) everything that had been taken from him.
I must admit I would have liked to see the look on the devil’s face when Job came through in flying colors. In your face!
God give us the strength and faith to be as trustworthy as Job.
David
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