Do you sometimes question what God is doing in your life especially when tragedies come along? Do you cry out to God asking, “Why are you doing this to me?”
The book of Job shares insights into a good way to view and handle tragedies in our life.
The forty-two chapters of the book share the story of a wealthy, upright, and faithful man, Job. Satan, the accuser, was roaming the earth seeking whomever he could destroy. God and Satan were conversing:
Then the Lord asked Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil. And he has maintained his integrity, even though you urged me to harm him without cause.” Satan replied to the Lord, “Skin for skin! A man will give up everything he has to save his life. But reach out and take away his health, and he will surely curse you to your face!” “All right, do with him as you please,” the Lord said to Satan. “But spare his life.” –Job 2:3-6 (NLT)
We learn Job lived a blameless, holy life and had much respect for God. His life embodied integrity. Satan was sure he could get Job to curse God if he sent tragedy to his life. God had faith in Job, and His only request was Satan could not take Job’s life.
++++++++++++
Job owned a large number of oxen, donkeys, sheep, camels, and servants. They all perished tragically through attacks, lightning strikes, and a tornado. All of his children also died.
Job stood up and tore his robe in grief. Then he shaved his head and fell to the ground to worship. He said, “I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The Lord gave me what I had, and the LORD has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord!” In all of this, Job did not sin by blaming God. –Job 1:20-22 (NLT)
Job, honestly acknowledged his pain and grief, yet exemplified faith. Despite all the “things” in his life being taken away, Job praises the name of the Lord and does not blame God for any of the tragedies! He persevered and did not get angry with God.
Photo courtesy of Lewis_Satini under Creative Commons License (CC BY 2.0)
Satan inflicted painful sores, from the soles of Job’s feet to the top of his head, in another attempt at getting Job to curse God.
His wife said to him, “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!” He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said. –Job 2:9-10 (NIV)
Even Job’s wife believes Job should curse God. Job stands firm in his faith, knowing God is with us through the good and the bad. Under no circumstance would Job give in to curse God.
++++++++++++
Three of Job’s friends told him he was suffering because of some sin or evil in his life. Job remained steadfast in his resolve to God. Job knew God was still in charge, despite the tragedies happening in his life.
At last Job spoke, and he cursed the day of his birth. He said: “Let the day of my birth be erased, and the night I was conceived…” –Job 3:1-3 (NLT)
Job sinks a bit into despondency listening to his friends, but Job refuses to curse God. Instead, he curses the day of his birth. He reasons the bad things happening are simply God’s will. God is still faithful and good.
++++++++++++
The ending chapters of Job are conversations between God and Job, occurring in a storm. Through this, Job experienced God’s presence in his suffering. Ultimately, God blessed the latter part of Job’s life even more than the first because of his faithfulness.
Then Job replied to the Lord: “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.” –Job 42:1-2; 5-6 (NIV)
Job remained faithful and trusted God, despite any circumstance in his life. Not once did he blame God for the bad. Job’s faith was in God, who he knew had the power to do anything and everything in his life. He shows us how to persevere through any tragedy, knowing that everything works for the good of God.
Photo courtesy of Sapphire Dream Photography under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC 2.0)
Did you notice Job, not even once, asked
WHY the tragedies were happening?
Job modeled
“WHAT can I do with this tragedy?
HOW can I glorify you, God, in this difficulty?”
May these lessons from Job’s life be a source of encouragement for you this week~
- Live with integrity, knowing God is working in every situation, whether it is good or bad.
- Acknowledge the tragedies in your life, rather than pretending they aren’t there.
- Try praising the Lord and not blaming Him for the tragedies.
- God is present in both the good and the bad.
- Do not curse God for what happens in life.
- Look for God’s presence in the storms of life.
- God’s purposes always prevail.
- Remain steadfast in faith and trust in the Lord.
- Focus on “WHAT can I do with this tragedy?” and “HOW can I glorify God?”
I called on your name, O LORD, from the depths of the pit; you heard my plea, ‘Do not close your ear to my cry for help!’ You came near when I called on you; you said, ‘Do not fear!’ –Lamentations 3:55-57 (ESV)