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“Trusting God In Midst of Suffering”
I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; …
Elizabeth S. writes:
I have a friend that is very young, and her life has just started. Yet, she lay in a hospital suffering from cancer. Down South, I have a friend who should be enjoying the gentle touch of a newborn, but she’s grieving the death of her newborn. My mother is suffering from many things, and I wonder how much longer God will have her on this earth. I have a brother who weighs 600 pounds and is awaiting surgery to help him lose. The list can go on and on. We all have a list.
As I think about these wonderful people, I think about Job. Job was a good man and loved God. But all in one night, Job lost everything! His children, his servants, everything that helped Job prosper.
So, why do bad things happen to good people?
At times in our lives, we are all little Jobs. From losing a job, losing a child, to bad health.
Job’s friends question Job about God’s existence. But Job replies:
I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; …
I believe that in the midst of Job’s own ordeal, he knew God’s plan was being unraveled. Job still knew and held firm in his heart that the same God who made the sun and the stars still lived and had a great plan.
I can’t explain why bad things happen to good people. But like my friends and family who suffer, we all know God lives. And through the suffering, the tears, and even good times, He remains alive in our lives.
We may not understand, but our God does, and He is in full control. We must let him be in full control. Give your troubles, your heartaches, to God. Let Him live in your heart. For we may not know the reasons why some things happen, but know and never forget that our redeemer lives.
Please note that the views expressed in this story are not necessarily the views of the American Bible Society. Story posted on November 26th, 2007 and filed under Your Stories, Struggles, God's Sovereignty.
November 26th, 2007 at 10:30 am
Elizabeth, wow, that was powerful … and sobering. Thank you.
You sound just like some of the wisdom writers in the Old Testament; you sound especially like the writers of Job and Ecclesiastes. It seems to me that those writers were very honest about not being able to understand why bad things happen to good people. Those writers also seemed to have a deep trust in God, in the midst of their “unknowing” or “not knowing.”
Anyway, your story helped me get in touch with my own pain — and my own “not knowing.” And it helped me get in touch with my deep dependence on God and, to be honest, my anger at God. I’m grateful that you helped me get in touch with all that. Thanks, Elizabeth.
Blessings to you as you sit with and process through all that’s happening in your life and the lives of your family and friends.
November 26th, 2007 at 10:34 am
Dear Elizabeth S.:
You should appear on Larry King Live, who often asked the question: “Why do bad things happen to good people?”
None, no, not even the Rev.’s, had ever given him an answer so poignant, apropros and profound like yours.
Thank you for your inspiration, and my humble prayers are with you and yours.
May GOD ALL MIGHTY Bless you and yours,
Mary Sun.