God is mysterious, but He always knows what He is doing.
In a time when I was begging God for answers for a job, for the next step in my life, for good friends, and the list goes on, it felt like the whole world was crashing down around me just waiting for me to explode.
I know, that seems a little melodramatic, but at the time that was how I felt. It is easy to feel miserable and upset over the absence of things you desperately want in life, especially when you work so hard towards it.
You feel yourself starting to get attached to the idea of that new job, or that opportunity, or that relationship, but sometimes our next step is just to be patient and wait for God.
When the struggle sets in
Have you ever wondered why something you prayed for didn’t turn out exactly the way you had hoped, or not at all?
We all have our trials and tribulations. In fact, if you read through the Bible there is not one person who does not go through something that challenges them and pushes them to the darkest depths of their limits.
The story of Job in the Bible is a perfect example of this:
Job chapter one verses one to three says, “In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil. He had seven sons and three daughters, and he owned seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen and five hundred donkeys, and had a large number of servants. He was the greatest man among all the people of the East.”
Firstly, the Bible describes Job as a man who is blameless and upright, God-fearing and a shunner of evil. He was a blessed man who lived a full and happy life. How could anything bad happen to this man?
The conversation
The story goes on to present a conversation between God and Satan. Job chapter one verse eight says, “Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.”
(Job chapter one verses nine to twelve) “Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.”
The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.”
It is interesting to consider that God allowed Satan to take all that belonged to Job away from him. Another thing to consider is how God says not to lay a finger on Job himself. Why was this?
God knew what Job was capable of handling, which is why God told Satan he could take everything away from him but not to touch him. God knew Job was a righteous man and that he would not budge on his faith.
The blame game
After everything was taken from him, the Bible says (Job chapter one verses 20 to 22) “At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worshipand said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.”
Job did not blame God for this travesty, but rather praised Him. I understand that when we go through pain, we want someone or something to blame, but for those who blame God for their misfortunes, God allows these things to happen in order to grow and develop us as His children. It is so completely dishonouring to blame God for something He has a complete and good plan for.
The book of Job shows us that God allowed Job to be tested to a point of complete and utter breakdown. This test of Job’s faithfulness to God could have been a make-or-break situation, but Job turned to God and worshipped him despite the pain and the agony he felt, because he trusted that God knew best.
Job was put to the ultimate test and his faithfulness to God shone through with strength and boldness. Job succeeded and because he was obedient and remained trusting and faithful to God he was rewarded and blessed abundantly.
Our peace
There is comfort in knowing we are never alone with our circumstances. Maybe you have lost your job, or a relationship fell through, or that thing you have been praying for and spoken to God about for so long has not yet been answered.
We are going to have things taken away from us because we live in a sinful world, but without those things we would not be able to grasp the merciful graciousness of God when He delivers on His promises in one way or another.
Let me tell you, there is divine purpose in every trial and circumstance. We are not meant to always live our lives in complete comfort, richness, blessing and prosperity. Although when we are blessed with much, we must thank God for it and bless others with what we have been blessed with.
When the unexpected occurs and when the prayers we prayed don’t come into fruition, stop yourself before you think negatively about your situation and instead turn your eyes to God and thank Him for all He has done for you and all He will do for you.
Believe in the promises of God, hold strong to your faith in Him, and remember that He is a master planner with your best interest and future at heart.
Keep your head up and eyes on God and remember that “all things work for the good of those who love God.” (Romans chapter eight verse 28).