It is doubtful that many people in the history of the earth have suffered heartbreak like Job. (Famous guy from the Old Testament, only went by his first name, rhymes with “robe” Job) In a span of mere hours, Job lost thousands of livestock (basically his livelihood), most of his employees and the lives of his ten children.
Job’s response to above…“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will leave this life. The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Praise the name of Yahweh.” Job 1:21 HCSB
The next day, he lost his health…terrible boils from the sole of his foot to the top of his head.
Job’s response, “Should we accept only good from God and not adversity?” Job 2:10 HCSB
Wow, what a guy! Don’t you wish you had that kind of restraint every time a crisis happened in your life? Like your internet being down or having to wait too long in the Starbucks line? You know…first world problems.
God says this of Job, “Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? No one else on earth is like him, a man of perfect integrity, who fears God and turns away from evil.”” Job 1:8 HCSB
How could a loving God allow such suffering…especially among those who call Him Lord? Folks like Job. God literally brags to Satan what a great guy Job is. And then, He lets Satan attack him. God had a purpose and a plan, just as He always does. But is it okay to ask the questions? YES. Later on, Job most definitely had some questions for God. I believe with all my heart that God wants us to ask Him ANYTHING! He is not shocked by anything. He is LISTENING. Go ahead, ASK! Then be still before Him and let Him answer…in His timing and in His perfect way.
“This is what the Lord says, He who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it–the Lord is his name: Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:2-3 NIV
I have friends who are battling cancer, friends whose children have completely walked away from their faith in Jesus, a friend who buried her precious Mama today, a cousin who lovingly cares for her mom (my aunt) 24/7 as my aunt battles dementia, and many friends who suffer mental illness or are caring for a loved one battling mental illness. No one is exempt from difficulties in this life. My friend Louise once said to me, “Everybody’s got something, mine’s cancer.” Everybody’s got something…
Occasionally, I look back at journal entries during times of heartbreak and difficulties. There are questions and cries for help. There are not always immediate answers, but there is comfort in knowing He sees me and hears my cries. Some of the sweetest times with my Savior have come when life was hardest, the storm seemed strongest and the answers were simply not there. In those times, He grows me up in ways that I did not think possible. He shows me the plans He has for me. He reveals more of Himself to me. What a gift…worth. every. heartbreak.
“Why shouldn’t we experience heartbreak? Through those doorways, God is opening up ways of fellowship with His Son.” Oswald Chambers
THIS I KNOW…
God is Sovereign. He can do anything He wants to do. This is where our TRUST in His nature comes into play. Because He cannot be (and cannot do) anything that goes against His nature, He CAN be trusted with our lives. His nature is to JUDGE fairly and to LOVE unconditionally. He is loving and fair. When we experience pain, unfair treatment, sickness, tragedy, or attacks of evil, we must trust His Sovereignty. Is trusting Him an easy thing to do? Not always. Something like, “I trust you Lord, now help my lack of trust.” It is one step at a time. Let Him speak to you through His Word, in the stillness of His presence and sometimes in the counsel of a faithful friend.
“For the Lord will not reject us forever. Even if He causes suffering, He will show compassion according to His abundant, faithful love. For He does not enjoy bringing affliction or suffering on mankind.” Lamentations 3:31-33 HCSB
“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9 NIV
PLEASE Read Job chapters 38-41…Talk about the Sovereignty of God! Midway through, Job wisely says, “I place my hand over my mouth.” Job 40:4. I think this will become my new life verse! Smile.
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