Trust God, though you can't trace His ways

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A party time!

The eldest brother throws a big party. All his brothers and sisters are invited.

Everyone is having a good time together. Lots of cheers, plenty of fun and, of course, a great feast. But this did not last long. Suddenly, all their faces turn pale with fear.

No meteorological forecast had predicted this. No warning signs. No time to escape. A great and destructive wind killed them all. All ten children died in a moment.

The news reaches Job’s ears. But, this isn’t the first bad news for the day.

The Sabeans raided his oxen and his donkeys.
The fire burnt his sheep.
The Chaldeans raided the camels.
Most of his servants are killed.

Wait a moment! Did the children have to party the same day when animals are being raided? How come the great wind did nothing to the Sabeans and the Chaldeans? Fire at one place and a gusty wind at another?

And all this in a moment. Is this a planned attack or a coincidence?

And in a little while, painful boils from the sole of his feet to the crown of his head.

What’s happening?  

God, why is this happening to me?
Why would God allow this?
If only I hadn’t met him/her.
I wish I never woke up to see that horrific day!
Why this terrible sickness?
Should life be this unfair?

“But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold” Job 23:10
 
What a statement by Job ‑- in the midst of loss, sickness and neglect.

There are two things in this profound statement by Job.

One, He knows the way I take. God knows what you’re going through. Things that happen in your life aren’t a surprise to God. Probably to you, but not to Him. He knows you in and out. He knows the emotions you’re going through. He sees your tears.

Two, when you pass your test, you’re sure to shine. As gold!

That’s what happened to Job. He did not drown in his sickness. He did not sink in his pain. There was a way out - a way that God had planned for him.

Job sees God in the midst of his pain. What a glorious moment it would’ve been! Wow, isn’t there a reason to thank God for the problems that He allows in your life? “Now my eye sees You” - Job 42:5

Job learnt the power of forgiveness. His three friends came to comfort him but ended up blaming him, criticising him, condemning him and finding wrong in him. But Job could now forgive them and pray for them.

Job got back all that he lost. And a double-fold!

Not just material restoration, there was restoration of relationships. All his brothers, all his sisters and all his acquaintances came to him.

His remaining years were blessed by the Almighty.

He lived until he was old and full of days, seeing his children and grandchildren - for four generations.

Trust Him, though you cannot trace what He is up to. His ways are amazing and beyond your comprehension.

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