Why do bad things happen to good people?
This is a question that many have asked, and will probably continue to do so.
I may not answer that question today, but… stick with me and let’s find out what we need to do in those situations.
When I read today’s scripture, I knew I had to read more because they were words from Job.
Verse-for-the-day: “But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold. My feet have closely followed His steps; I have kept to His way without turning aside.” Job 23:10-11.
We learn in Job 1:1 that, “There was a man named Job who lived in the country of Uz. He was a good, honest man. He respected God and refused to do evil.” Another translation describes Job in these words: “He was blameless—a man of complete integrity. He feared God and stayed away from evil.” The Message reads, “He was honest inside and out, a man of his word, who was totally devoted to God and hated evil with a passion.”
First of all, those are powerful words to say about a person. These are words to aspire to be said of one’s self.
So dig just a little more in this short chapter and read it in its entirety (17 verses):
Then Job answered:
2 “I am still complaining today. I groan because God is still making me suffer. 3 I wish I knew where to find him. I wish I knew how to go to where he lives. 4 I would present my case to him. I would make my arguments to show that I am innocent. 5 He could give his response, and I would understand. I would listen closely to what he says. 6 Would God use his power against me? No, he would listen to me! 7 Since I am an honest man, he would let me tell my story. Then my Judge would set me free!
8 “If I go to the east, God is not there. If I go to the west, I still don’t see him. 9 When he is working in the north, I don’t see him. When he turns to the south, I still don’t see him. 10 But God knows me. He is testing me and will see that I am as pure as gold. 11 I have always lived the way God wants. I have never stopped following him. 12 I always obey his commands. I love the words from his mouth more than I love my food.
13 “But God never changes, and who can stand against him? He does anything he wants. 14 He will do to me what he planned, and he has many other plans for me. 15 That is why I am terrified to stand before him. Just thinking about it makes me afraid. 16 The fear of God has made me lose my courage. God All-Powerful makes me afraid. 17 What has happened to me is like a dark cloud over my face. But the darkness will not keep me quiet.
I think about instances in the lives of many who I know love God with all their heart, and “stuff”, bad “stuff”, still happens. Bad things happen to good folks all the time. So what so we do about it?
Seek wisdom like Job did. In Job 28:20 Job asks, “So where does wisdom come from? Where can we find understanding?” In verse 23 he says, “Only God knows the way to wisdom. Only He knows where wisdom is.” Continuing in verses 27-28, “God looked at wisdom and discussed it. He examined it and saw how much it is worth. Then He said to humans, ‘To fear and respect the Lord is wisdom. To turn away from evil is understanding.’” We clearly read how Job was fearful (in awe and total respect) of God. So, let’s first turn to Him.
And then, you may find yourself turning to God, but you’re like, “Hello? God? Are you here?” I’m sure there are times when you (we) feel exactly like Job in Job 30:20, “God, I cry out to you for help, but you don’t answer. I stand up and pray, but you don’t pay attention to me.” Don’t give up. Keep calling out to Him. He IS listening and watching over you!
After Job and his friends spoke, and they spoke a LOT, then God broke bad, and spoke with His “Almightiness” in Job 38-41 clarifying who He is and who they are. In other words, The Almighty put them in their place. Yep, He’ll do that to us as well when we get too big for our britches.
Through all the trials, discussions, and torment, Job never stopped believing in the sovereignty of God. When the Lord finished talking, after being silent for so long, we read in Job 42:2-3, 6: Then Job answered the Lord: “I know you can do everything. You make plans, and nothing can change or stop them. You asked, ‘Who is this ignorant person saying these foolish things?’ I talked about things I did not understand. I talked about things too amazing for me to know…I am ashamed of myself. I am so sorry.” Yes, Job confessed. He admitted that God was, is, and always will be in control and NOT him.
In return….we read in Job 42:12, “So the Lord blessed Job in the second half of his life even more than in the beginning.” What? You mean that after going through troubles and trials God can bring glory out of it? YES!
So what do we do when bad things happen to us? Remember…seek wisdom, God’s wisdom, and NEVER give up. He is refining you and polishing you to be bright for Him. Always keep in mind Who is in control of everything. God will bring glory to it all in the end.
I pray many blessings and much joy for you! Have a wonderful day. – Stephanie
