Which is true? God is all-powerful but doesn't care about us, or God cares about us but isn't all-powerful? This is the question the world asks of Christians when horrific things happen like natural disasters, scandals or diseases. Why do good guys finish last? Why do the righteous suffer and the wicked prosper? Is it true that only the good die young? Why DO bad things happen to good people? Why do GOOD things happen to BAD people?
I have often wondered what I would think of the story of Job, if not for the benefit of chapters 1 and 2. You and I have agreed time and again while reading through the OT, that we don't quite "get it"....it just seems like we don't have the whole story or something? It's during those times, when we can't understand, we can't see the plan, and we can't trace His hand, we must choose to trust His heart. This was Job's circumstance. By the way, I believe that every detail we need is in His word....nothing more, nothing less. As hard as it is to imagine how God could allow these awful things to happen to a good man, at least we know a little bit of the "why".....Job didn't. And that's why he amazes me.
Which shows greater faith? When you have nothing to eat, you pray, and miraculously food is provided.....OR when you have nothing to eat, you pray, and no food is provided, but you still trust God (like Job)? The glimpses into the life of Dr. Samuel Thomas was life-changing for me! He has been through some tough times, ladies!!! What about his father was starting a work for the Lord and God wouldn't give him a few cents to ride rather than walk for 53 days??? Which shows greater faith? Putting one foot in front of the other for 500 miles, or hopping a train with the spare change in your pocket? The story of Job is not for the faint of heart! How easily my heart can become discouraged and I can begin to entertain thoughts that God doesn't love me as much as I think He does! How many times have you heard a well-meaning woman say, "Well, honey, just follow your heart and it'll never steer you wrong." ??? (please insert shocked facial expression here) What is THAT?!?!?! My Bible says the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked, and no one can understand it! Listen, for a girl whose love language is "acts of service" I want God to show me love by DOING stuff for me! (Joke...laugh.) Solomon said I have to guard my heart with diligence, for out of it flows the well-spring of life. I've got to work hard not to let my heart convince my mind of untruth. I must fill my heart and mind with Truth daily, so that I can stay the course. (And, boy can I tell the days I don't.) You know what? Maybe God knows what takes more faith, and maybe it's different for each of us.
When are you more like Jesus? When your husband and children are doing everything you ask them to do, there's plenty of money in the bank, the extended family lives in harmony, your boss thinks you walk on water, your church is seeing kingdom growth, life is going well and everyone is smiling.....OR when you are having to hit your knees every night for that wayward child, choosing to serve that ungrateful husband, deciding if we can go one more day without milk this week, choosing to be kind to that unfair boss, biting your tongue when that family member visits, praying your church can overcome moral failure, when life stinks and no one is smiling??? When are you more like Him? When do you lean on Him more?
I feel like today I've asked more questions than I've answered. Can I say that I'm not sure of any of these answers??? I'm glad I don't know everything, and the book of Job certainly reminds us of that. Usually I attempt to explain a few verses as they are revealed to me, personally. I just shared what was on my mind today, after reading the story of Job again. Maybe you can forgive my ponderings and my candidness, as I remind myself to place all of this at the foot of the cross? I can rest tonight knowing that my Savior lived to die for me, that He is alive now interceding for me in my time of need, and that He is coming again, oh glorious day!
